International Travel Security, SIUE Clean Computer Program, & Off Campus Remote Access
Before you travel be sure to consider the following:
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If you have not already, apply for 2-Factor VPN access before requesting a travel laptop from ITS. This will allow you to securely access everything you need in association with your work at SIUE. In some countries this will be the only way you can access your SIUE resources remotely. Start here to see if you need VPN access or to update your existing access to 2-factor: https://www.siue.edu/its/fac_staff/vpn.shtml
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Before you travel and especially if you will be using software that needs to be loaded onto an SIUE travel laptop please review the SIUE export control policy: https://siusystem.edu/board-of-trustees/legislation/board-legislation-policies.shtml#7N
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To obtain an SIUE travel laptop, please fill out and submit a Clean Computer Request Form and submit it to the Export Control Officer. Be sure to list any additional software you may need for your trip on the form. Allow a minimum of 10 business days for the processing of your request. When you receive your approved form, submit it to the ITS Help Desk at help@siue.edu . Once this is done the process of preparing a laptop for you will begin. Your CRS technician will contact you a few days before your departure date to arrange a time to sign over the laptop to you.
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Upon returning to the US, your eID password will need to be changed as soon as possible. This can be done at: https://myaccount.microsoft.com.
International Travel Security
Faculty and staff need to be mindful of what they take with them into any foreign country. Recent trends have shown American researchers are being targeted and having confidential information stolen. The FBI has been adamant that any electronic device taken into that country will be viewed and most likely will have information stolen. These are some guidelines gathered from available FBI resources for faculty and staff to follow while traveling abroad for research or other matters.
Device Recommendations
Before Your Trip:
- If you can do without the device, do not take it
- Sanitize your device of sensitive information; move information to external storage and leave it at home.
- If possible, use a different email and phone while traveling; you may need to have the university generate a new email for you
- The FBI recommends that cell phone and email usage be kept at a minimum or not at all
- Register with this website to keep abreast of issues in the area you are traveling: https://step.state.gov/step/
- Save the Bureau of Consular Affairs number into your phone when traveling outside of the US: 1-202-501-4444
- Establish your point of contact
During Your Trip:
- Avoid placing internet addresses ("favorites") on any laptop you take
- Take only that info which you will present or discuss
- Make sure your device is password or passcode protected
- Do not continue to use a device that begins to run slowly, or acts strangely after taking it overseas
- After each use, clear your browser
- If devices are stolen, report it immediately to the US embassy
- Use a secure VPN connection for email
- Stay alert of your surroundings
- Do not travel alone
- Recognize that your personal belongings may be searched several times
- Know that not all conference attendees with whom you come in contact with are genuinely interested in your research; some may be inquiring on behalf of another country or researcher
- Obtain business cards of all personnel with whom you have extensive contact while traveling
After Your Trip:
- Change all your passwords and security codes upon your return to the country
- Have the system professionally analyzed for viruses or spyware after travel
- Report any unusual circumstances, conversations, or incidents to your department manager and to the FBI
