by The Computing Australia Group | Stay secure while travelling for work-
without slowing yourself down.
Stay secure while travelling for work – without slowing yourself down.
Business travellers are prime targets for cybercriminals: you carry valuable data, work under time pressure, and regularly connect to unfamiliar networks. The good news? A handful of practical habits and smart setup choices will dramatically reduce your risk.
This guide modernises and expands your original post into a comprehensive, easy-to-action playbook – covering pre-trip prep, on-the-road behaviour, and post-trip wrap-up. You’ll also get printable checklists, a jargon buster, and an SEO plan to help the article rank.
Why business travellers are targeted
- High-value data: Access to company email, finance systems, client files, and intellectual property.
- Rushed decisions: Tight schedules and fatigue increase the likelihood of clicking a bad link or ignoring a warning.
- Untrusted environments: Airports, hotels, and conference centres expose you to risky Wi-Fi, shared charging points, and shoulder surfing.
- Attractive devices: Premium laptops and phones are theft magnets - and often the keys to corporate systems via MFA.
Goal: Reduce your attack surface, limit blast radius if something goes wrong, and make recovery fast and painless.
Before you fly: security setup checklist
Proactive setup beats reactive clean-up. Complete this one week before departure.
1. Harden every device (laptop, phone, tablet)
- Lock screens with strong passcodes (6+ digits minimum), Face/Touch ID and auto-lock at 1–2 minutes.
- Full-disk encryption: BitLocker (Windows), FileVault (macOS), native device encryption (iOS/Android).
- Turn on “Find my device” + remote wipe for each device.
- Patch everything: OS, browsers, productivity suites, conferencing tools, VPN client, password manager.
2. Strengthen authentication
- Unique passwords for each account via a reputable password manager.
- MFA/2FA everywhere - prefer app-based or hardware security keys (FIDO2) over SMS.
- Update recovery options (backup codes printed, stored offline).
3. Minimise data exposure
- Principle of least privilege: travel with a “clean” travel profile or a limited account without admin rights.
- Data minimisation: sync only the files you must use offline. Keep everything else in secure cloud storage with per-file permissions.
- Containerise work data on mobile via MDM or secure workspace apps to keep personal and business data separate.
4. Configure safe connectivity
- Corporate-approved VPN installed and tested.
- Disable auto-connect to Wi-Fi and forget old networks.
- Turn off Bluetooth discovery; set to non-discoverable or off by default.
- Consider a travel hotspot/eSIM to avoid untrusted Wi-Fi (often cheaper and safer than roaming on public networks).
5. Plan for power safely
- Carry your own charger and cable. Avoid public charging stations when possible.
- Pack a USB data blocker (“USB condom”) to disable data pins when you must use public power.
6. Backups & emergency access
- Cloud backup enabled and verified (laptop + mobile).
- Local encrypted backup on a small SSD kept separate from your laptop when in transit.
- Store critical phone numbers (IT support, bank, mobile carrier) offline.
7. Travel notifications
- Advise your bank and mobile carrier of travel dates to reduce fraud flags and speed up support.
- Enable roaming controls and ensure you can receive MFA when overseas (eSIM/roaming plan/hardware key).
Essential policies for employers
If you manage a travelling team, implement these baseline controls:
1. Mobile Device Management (MDM) to enforce encryption, screen locks, OS version, app allowlists/denylists, and remote wipe.
2. Zero-trust access: conditional access policies (geo/IP/device health), least privilege roles, and per-app VPN.
3. Travel laptop builds: non-admin accounts, limited local data, tamper-evident seals on ports if needed.
4. Standard hardware: approved password manager, corporate VPN, endpoint protection/EDR, DNS filtering, and hardware security key.
5. Clear response plan for lost/stolen devices, phishing on the road, and border inspection scenarios.
6. Just-in-time training: a 10-minute refresher before each trip (QR code safety, fake Wi-Fi, charger risks, conference phishing).
Eight core travel cyber security practices (expanded)
Your original tips – modernised with deeper guidance and examples.
1. Lock your devices (and lock them down)
- Strong PINs/passwords, short auto-lock, biometric unlock, and device encryption.
- Bonus: Use privacy screens to prevent shoulder surfing on planes and in lounges.
- Physical: Never leave devices unattended. Use a cable lock in hotels/conferences.
2. Avoid public Wi-Fi (use safer alternatives)
- Prefer mobile hotspot/eSIM or known enterprise Wi-Fi with WPA2-Enterprise/WPA3.
- If you must use public Wi-Fi:
- Connect via your corporate VPN immediately.
- Do not access sensitive systems if the VPN won’t connect.
- Verify captive portals (watch for typosquatting in SSIDs and look for HTTPS).
- Consider a travel router that creates your own secure mini-network behind hotel Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
3. Turn off auto-connect
- Disable Wi-Fi auto-join and forget old networks.
- Turn off Ask to Join pop-ups to avoid accidental taps; connect manually with intent.
4. Limit location sharing (during the trip)
- Delay social posts until after you’ve left the location.
- On iOS/Android, set photos to remove location metadata before sharing.
- Check app permissions - many apps don’t need location at all.
5. Keep endpoint protection active and updated
- Install reputable anti-virus/EDR and keep signatures current.
- Turn on real-time protection and web filtering.
- Ensure firewall is on; block inbound connections unless needed.
6. Keep the OS and apps up to date
- Complete updates before travel; enable auto-updates.
- Update browsers and extensions - many attacks target the browser layer.
7. Disable Bluetooth (and other radios when idle)
- Turn off Bluetooth and NFC when not in use.
- Pair devices in private, and forget stale pairings.
- Avoid random AirDrop/Quick Share requests.
8. Back up to the cloud (and test restore)
- Confirm your last successful backup date.
- Test opening a key file from backup so you know recovery works.
- Keep a minimal local cache - assume a lost/stolen device will be wiped.
9. Ensure you have phone access overseas (MFA readiness)
- Bring a hardware security key (works without mobile signal).
- Set up offline MFA codes (printed and stored securely).
- Verify your roaming plan/eSIM supports SMS and data where you’re travelling.
Pro tip: If the only way to approve sign-ins is via SMS to your AU number and SMS won’t work overseas, you’re locked out. Fix this before you leave.
Network safety on the road
Spotting rogue Wi-Fi
- SSIDs mimicking hotels/airlines (“Lounge-FreeWiFi” vs “Lounge-Free-WiFi”).
- Networks with no captive portal when you expect one - or captive portals asking for personal data or credit cards unexpectedly.
- Signal that’s oddly strongest in a quiet corner - could be an evil twin hotspot.
Safe browsing habits
- Use modern browsers with anti-phishing protection.
- Keep an eye on padlock + HTTPS; don’t bypass certificate warnings.
- Prefer company portals bookmarked directly over email links.
Device & data protection strategies
Data minimisation in practice
- Move project folders you won’t need back to cloud-only.
- Use selective sync and per-file offline settings.
- Redact or pseudonymise sensitive data when feasible.
Email & messaging
- Treat any message about travel changes, invoices, or urgent approvals as suspicious - these are classic lures around conferences and quarter-end.
- Verify out-of-band via phone or corporate chat before paying or approving anything.
- Redact or pseudonymise sensitive data when feasible.
USB & peripherals
- Avoid random USB sticks from conferences.
- If you must move files, use known-good media scanned by your endpoint protection.
Airports, hotels, venues & transit tips
Airports & lounges
- Sit with screen facing away from crowds; use a privacy filter.
- Never leave devices during boarding announcements (prime distraction window).
- Treat public chargers as power only (use your own adapter or a data blocker).
Hotels
- Verify the official Wi-Fi name with the front desk.
- Use hotel room safes judiciously; they’re convenient but not invulnerable - prefer keeping devices on you or locked with a cable.
- Don’t take calls discussing sensitive topics in lifts or lobbies.
Conferences & client sites
- Badge skimming: keep NFC cards in RFID sleeves if provided.
- Beware QR codes at booths - fake codes can redirect to phishing pages. If possible, type URLs manually or use vendor’s official site/app.
- Don’t scan drivers’ licences or passports on unknown kiosks.
Rideshares & public transport
- Avoid reading confidential docs where seatmates can see.
- Keep laptops zipped away; theft at stops is common.
International considerations & local laws
Laws and regulations differ by country. A few practical considerations:
- Border inspections: Some jurisdictions may request device access at the border. Work with your IT team on a “travel build” (limited local data, strong device encryption, separate travel accounts).
- Data sovereignty: Certain data may be restricted from leaving your home country or must be stored in specific regions. Clarify what data you’re allowed to carry.
- Local cybercrime and privacy laws: Verify what’s permitted regarding VPN usage and encrypted communications at your destination.
- Australia-specific prep (if departing AU):
- Review advice from ACSC (Australian Cyber Security Centre) on travelling securely.
- Check Smartraveller for destination-specific risk alerts.
- If carrying client data, confirm contractual obligations (e.g., health or financial data restrictions).
This guide is practical advice – not legal counsel. When in doubt, consult your company’s legal & compliance team.
Incident response on the go
If something feels off, act fast – speed limits damage.
1. Disconnect from all networks (turn on Airplane Mode).
2. Don’t power off if you suspect malware (EDR logs may be critical); instead, isolate and contact IT.
3. Change passwords from a separate, known-clean device.
4. Revoke tokens/sessions (email, cloud storage, VPN).
5. Report to your IT/security team with time, place, symptoms, and any suspicious messages or links.
6. Lost/stolen device: trigger remote lock/wipe via MDM/Find My Device; file a police report for insurance.
Jargon buster
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a trusted server, shielding your traffic on untrusted networks.
- Operating System (OS): Core software that manages your device (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).
- MFA / 2FA: Extra verification beyond a password (app prompt, code, or hardware key).
- MDM: Mobile Device Management - software that enforces security settings and enables remote wipe.
- EDR: Endpoint Detection & Response - advanced protection that monitors, detects, and responds to threats on devices.
- Data minimisation: Carry only the data you truly need to reduce risk if a device is lost or inspected.
- Evil twin: A fake Wi-Fi network that imitates a legitimate one to intercept traffic.
- USB data blocker: An adapter that disables the data pins in a USB cable so charging can’t transfer data.
Travel security packing list
- Primary laptop + privacy screen filter + cable lock
- Phone with roaming/eSIM configured and MFA working
- Hardware security key (FIDO2) with backup codes printed
- Own wall charger, power bank, USB data blocker, and known-good cables
- Compact travel router (optional)
- Encrypted portable SSD for local backups (kept separate in transit)
Final Thoughts
Business travel doesn’t have to be a security gamble. Lock down devices, reduce the data you carry, favour your own connectivity, and know what to do if something goes wrong. Combine these habits with solid company policies – MDM, zero-trust access, and a clear incident plan – and you’ll stay productive and protected on the road.
If you’d like help implementing MDM, VPN, travel laptop builds, or a quick pre-trip training pack for your team, we can set that up.
FAQ
Is it safe to use hotel Wi-Fi with a VPN?
Safer, yes – but still avoid sensitive actions when possible. Prefer your own hotspot. If you must use hotel Wi-Fi, connect to VPN before accessing corporate resources.
Do I need antivirus if I’m on macOS or iOS?
Yes. Modern EDR tools protect against phishing, malicious scripts, and suspicious behaviour—not just old-school viruses.
Are public charging stations dangerous?
The risk (known as “juice jacking”) exists. Use your own wall charger or a USB data blocker to allow power but block data.
Should I bring a spare device?
If the trip is mission-critical, a clean spare (pre-enrolled to MDM) can save a project if your primary device fails or is seized.
What about AirDrop/Quick Share?
Set to Contacts Only or Receiving Off while travelling. Attackers sometimes blast malicious files to nearby devices.
