International Travel Digital Security Guidance

• Pre-register all LMU-related international travel in LMU’s International Travel Registry to ensure LMU can assist in emergencies and comply with university policy. 

• Plan ahead: Determine what data and devices you truly need. Avoid taking unnecessary sensitive information or devices abroad.   

• Do not store sensitive data on local drives or external media. Keep confidential data on LMU-approved platforms like Box. 

• Secure all devices with strong passphrases, enable full-disk encryption were permitted by local country regulations. 

• Request LMU VPN access through the ITS Service Desk and use secure connections (VPN, HTTPS) for LMU resources, where permitted by local regulations. 

• If you have questions about protecting your personal devices—such as setting strong passwords, updating antivirus software, enabling remote tracking/wiping, or turning on encryption—please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@lmu.edu 
• If needed, request a loaner laptop at least two weeks before your departure and test it in advance to ensure it’s ready and available. Go to ITS Service Desk → Log In → Request Services → Faculty/Staff Loaner Equipment Request (Westchester campus)  
• Remove nonessential data from mobile devices and disconnect from cloud storage and social media accounts.
• Update Software: Install pending OS and app updates. 
• Confirm recent backups of all devices traveling with you. Backups help recover data if devices are lost or stolen.  
• Review the Duo Travel Guide before your trip to ensure uninterrupted access to LMU systems while abroad. 

• Travel with minimal devices and data to minimize potential risk of data loss or compromise. 

• Avoid displaying devices unnecessarily; keep them out of sight and secure. Use printed boarding passes, when possible, to reduce reliance on mobile devices during transit.  

• Be aware that devices may be searched and data copied at ports of entry; review the laws and regulations of your destination country to understand your rights and obligations. 

• Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use or set them to non-discoverable. 

• Maintain physical security: never leave devices unattended in public places like airports, hotels, or conference venues. Carry your device(s) with you or store it securely in a locked bag or hotel safe.  

• Never use USB drives from unknown sources; request files via secure channels like email. 

• Be vigilant against phishing attempts via email, text, or calls.  

• Minimize electronic transmissions; assume all wireless communications can be intercepted or altered.  

• Avoid using public charging stations because they can be compromised through a technique called ‘juice jacking,’ which installs malware or steals data when you plug in. Always use your own charger and plug into a trusted power outlet. 
• Check Account Activity: Monitor recent sign-ins for email, cloud storage, and banking apps. Look for unfamiliar locations or devices.
  • If you see something suspicious:
    • Immediately change your password for that account.
    • Report it to ITS by emailing servicedesk@lmu.edu for a security review.

• If a device is stolen, do not attempt recovery yourself. 

• • LMU-owned devices: Report the theft immediately to the Service Desk at servicedesk@lmu.edu and file a police report

• • Personal devices: Report the theft to local authorities and use remote wipe if recovery is not possible to protect LMU data. 

• Return Loaner Devices: Bring LMU loaners to ITS for secure wiping. 
• Reset Passwords: Consider changing LMU and personal account passwords. 
• Scan Devices: Consider run antivirus and anti-malware scans on all devices. 
• Check Account Activity: Monitor recent sign-ins for email, cloud storage, and banking apps. 
  • If you see something suspicious:
    • Immediately change your password for that account.
    • Report it to ITS by emailing servicedesk@lmu.edu for a security review.

• Remove Sensitive Personal Identifiable Data: Delete any temporary files, such as copies of Passports/Visa's etc. 
• Network Hygiene: Forget public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Report Issues Immediately: If you notice anything suspicious or are unsure, email servicedesk@lmu.edu. ITS can review LMU devices and accounts to confirm your data is safe.

If your device is lost, stolen, or you suspect a security breach while traveling, immediately contact the LMU ITS Service Desk: 

• Phone: 310.338.7777 (on campus: x87777) 

• Online: ITS Service Desk Portal 

Prompt reporting helps protect LMU data and systems. 

International Travel Security Guide for Personal Devices 

(These steps apply to personal devices only and are not recommendations for LMU-issued devices.) 

 This guide provides best practices for faculty and staff traveling internationally with personal devices. Follow these steps to protect your laptops, tablets, and smartphones. 

Set Strong Passwords 

• Use passphrases instead of short passwords (e.g., BlueSky!RunFast2025). 

• Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. 

• Avoid personal info like birthdays or pet names. 

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive accounts (email, banking). 

Screen Locks 

Use screen locks on your device to prevent unauthorized access if your device is lost or stolen during travel. 

Steps: 

• Windows: Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Set a strong password or PIN. 

• Mac: System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Choose require password immediately after sleep or screen saver begins. 

• iOS: Settings → Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) → Set a strong passcode. 

• Android: Settings → Security → Screen Lock → Choose Pin, password, or biometric options. 

Quick Way to Lock Your Screen: 

• Windows: Press Windows + L 

• Mac: Press Control + Command + Q 

• Mobile: Press the power button 

Update Antivirus and Operating Systems 

Ensure antivirus software and operating systems are up-to-date before traveling. 

• Windows: Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates. 

• Mac: System Preferences → Software Update → Install updates. 

• iOS: Settings → General → Software Update. 

• Android: Settings → System → Software Update. 

Enable Remote Tracking & Wiping 

These features allow you to locate your devices, lock it remotely, or erase its data in the scenario that it is lost or stolen. These features can help protect your sensitive information while traveling. 

Why It’s Helpful? 

• Quick way to find your device if you lose it. 

• Lock devices remotely so no one can use it. 

• Erase your data it it’s stolen, so your information stays private. 

How to Enable Remote Tracking & Wiping? 

• iOS: Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Enable Find My iPhone and remote erase. 

• Android: Settings → Security → Find My Device → Enable remote wipe. 

• Windows: Settings → Update & Security → Find My Device. 

• Mac: Enable Find My Mac in System Preferences → Apple ID → iCloud → Find My Mac. 

• Test these features before leaving by logging into iCloud.com or Google Find My Device. 

Use Secure Connections 

• Use VPN or HTTPS when accessing sensitive resources and accounts (where permitted by local laws). 

• Avoid public Wi-Fi; use a personal hotspot or a trusted Wi-Fi when possible. 

Backup Your Data 

• Mobile: Use iCloud or Google Drive for essential data.