Traveling with Technology

Many Gustavus students, faculty, and staff travel for classes, presentations, conferences, etc. Here are some helpful tips to make sure your travel experience is safe and secure in terms of technology.

Tips

Gustavus Account

Know the Technology Helpline's email address and phone number. (helpline@gustavus.edu and 507-933-6111).
If you are traveling to places that do not allow access to Google/GusMail, please use Virtual Lab.
Update your alternate email address on your Gustavus account information page to enable self-resetting of your Gustavus password.
If you forget your Gustavus e-mail password while abroad, visit the Gustavus Accounts Page to self-reset your password.
Gustavus requires all users to change their passwords yearly, unless you have enrolled in Duo Mobile. Please be aware you may be emailed by Gustavus to change your password during your travels. You may email the Helpline to extend your password expiration.
If you have 2 Factor Authentication enabled, please be sure you have the Duo Mobile app installed on your phone. This will enable you to have offline passcodes available to you while logging into your account while abroad.
Optional: If you do not have a secondary Duo device, consider setting up your parent's cell phone as a Duo Device under your account, in case you lose your device. This will help you add a new device if you lose your phone.
Optional: Buy and set up a Yubikey to enable as another Duo device. If you lose your phone, you will still have a way to use Duo Mobile on your Gustavus account.

Physical Device Security

Back up your computer before leaving. Leave a backup copy at home.
Turn off services such as bluetooth or IR ports when not needed.
Never leave electronics unattended for any amount of time.
Be careful about plugging in your device into a power station or random computers' USB ports. They may set up to steal information. It is best to use your own wall charger or use a portable power bank. Charging a power bank in any computer/USB is an acceptable practice.
Make sure you have serial numbers of your devices written down on an online resource such as Google Drive. If lost you will always have the ability to inform authorities of your serial number of your device.
Turn on location services such as Find my iPhone or use Android Device Manager.
If you have a cell phone wallet, be careful of the items that are in your wallet. Remove any unneeded cards while traveling. You also may want to consider separating them to limit your exposure if theft occurs while traveling.
Take only the devices you will need. Reduce the risk.
If renting a car, both domestically or internationally, do not sync your phone with the car's infotainment services such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
If you need to charge a device in a rental car, use the 12V plug with a car charger adapter instead of using the onboard USB port, or use a personal power bank.

Software Security

Require passwords on all devices. (tablet, phone, computer and anything else that can use a password) - Use a strong passcode. Avoid 1234, 1111, and other easy to guess passcodes for phone/tablets. Use the alphanumeric passcode option instead.
Find out what WiFi networks are safe. For example, find official airport documentation that provides the official airport WiFi SSID (network name). Not all free WiFi networks are safe.
Test any communication methods before leaving such as Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or any type of VOIP applications.
Run Windows Update or Software Update before leaving on your laptop.
Set up Emergency SOS and Health Information on your device.
Restrict/Turn off AirDrop on iOS devices.

What to do - Lost/Stolen Device

Utilize the Remote Wipe feature on your device using iCloud or Android Device Manager.
Change passwords for your accounts on the device on a trusted computer.
Notify your banks if you have set up Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Setup Duo Mobile on a different device. If you have no option to log in because your device was stolen, you will need to email the Technology Helpline to verify your identity. You may be asked to video chat with a full-time Technology Services employee to verify your identity.