Devices & Working Anywhere

Travelling Safely

Foundational

Travelling for work adds a few extra risks for your devices and the data on them — theft, people watching your screen, untrusted networks, and risks at borders and hotels. None are hard to manage: keep devices with you and encrypted, use the secure connection, watch your surroundings, and know who to call if something goes missing.

On the move you're outside the office's protections and more likely to lose a device or be overlooked. Laptops get stolen from cars, bags, and cafés; screens get read on planes and trains; "free" airport Wi-Fi can be hostile; and public USB charging points can be tampered with. A few habits keep you and our data safe.

This builds on Working Remotely & Public Wi-Fi and Your Devices & Updates — same principles, with travel specifics.

Protect your devices and data

AlwaysKeep work devices with you or securely locked away — never leave a laptop visible in a car, checked in luggage, or unattended in public.
DoMake sure devices are encrypted and lock with a strong PIN/passphrase or biometrics, so a lost device doesn't mean lost data (see Your Devices & Updates).
DoUse the company secure connection (VPN) on any network you don't control, and prefer your phone's mobile data over unknown public Wi-Fi (see Working Remotely).
DoUse a privacy screen and be aware of who can see your screen or hear your calls on planes, trains, and in lounges.
ConsiderTaking only the data and devices you actually need for the trip — less to lose.

Watch for travel-specific tricks

DoCharge from your own adapter/power bank rather than public USB ports, which can be tampered with to attack a device.
DoReport a lost or stolen device immediately so it can be locked and wiped — time matters (see Report It).
AvoidConnecting work devices to untrusted computers, kiosks, or accessories, and accepting unexpected "updates" on hotel or public networks.
NeverLeave a device logged in and unattended, or share it with people you meet while travelling.

Ask yourself

AskIs my device with me or properly secured, encrypted, and locked?
AskAm I on a trusted connection, or should I use the VPN / mobile data?
AskCan anyone see my screen or hear my call right now?
AskIf this went missing, do I know who to tell, and how fast?

Why it matters: Devices are far more likely to be lost, stolen, or snooped on while travelling, and each one is a doorway to company and customer data. A handful of simple travel habits — keep it with you, encrypted, on a trusted connection, and reported fast if lost — keep that data safe wherever work takes you.