Travelling for business in 2019 is a completely different ballgame than it used to be in the 80s, 90s, or even the 2000s. These days, we are lugging such a wide variety of personal electronics that it has become an intricate juggling act to keep it all charged and operational, not to mention safeguarded against potential intrusion by opportunistic cybercriminals who prey on public networks. So, what is a business traveler to do to keep their laptop, cell phone, tablet and other devices safe as they make their way around the globe?
As a travel management company that focuses on the needs of South African and international business travelers, we like to keep our clients informed regarding tech safety. Here are a few of the things we suggest they do before they leave on a work trip:
Be sure to update the software on all your devices before you leave - the latest versions of these programs and OS have the latest protection against everything from malware to ransomware.
Enable 'Find my iPhone' on your Apple iPhone, Mac or Ipad; or 'Find My Device' on your Android tech. In the event that a device is taken while you travel, lock it remotely, reset the password and immediately erase your data. Also, be sure to disable remote connectivity and Bluetooth so devices can't pair with yours without your consent.
Take the time to back up your files, contacts, photos, and videos onto another device or cloud service before you depart. This is also a good time to remove any unnecessary sensitive information from the devices you'll be taking along.
Reevaluate your cyber hygiene before you jet off. Check the strength of your passwords and ensure that each one is unique. If you have multiple accounts, consider using a password manager to keep everything straight.
If you plan to use social media while you travel, put in place two-factor authentication when you sign in to your profiles. This will make it more difficult for opportunistic hackers to take over your accounts.
Following these guidelines when you travel for work will allow you to keep your tech nice and safe as you make your way from one exciting business destination to the next. Keep your eye on the blog in coming weeks and months for more insider info on how you can streamline your corporate journeys for maximum efficiency and ROI. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to a member of our team if you would like to learn more about our travel management services.
