Travel with Electronics

Ensuring the Safety of Information and Devices While Travelling

Essential Security Tips and Strategies for Secure Journeys

It is crucial to prioritize the security of your electronic devices while travelling abroad by safeguarding your personal and sensitive information, and confidential or high-risk UBC information. Here are some essential security tips to ensure a safe and worry-free travel experience.

Pre-Travel Preparation

Consult official sources and learn about travel advice by destination

The Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories page provides up-to-the-minute official travel information to help you make informed decisions and travel safely outside of Canada. Check the page for your destination regularly, as safety and security conditions change often.

Prepare your devices and assess cybersecurity risks at your destination

Multi-factor authentication Access and International Travel Considerations 

A reminder that multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required when accessing UBC systems when off-campus that utilize a campus-wide login. UBC utilizes Cisco Duo for MFA. Notably, the Duo mobile application functions even without a cellular data connection, ensuring continued access even in areas with limited connectivity. To safeguard against potential device loss, it is highly recommended to configure a backup authentication method within Duo, such as an alternative mobile device, such as a tablet, or security key. This redundancy ensures uninterrupted access to critical UBC resources during your travels. 

Please be aware that due to the US-based sanctions that guide Duo's restrictions, individuals logging in from countries affected by these sanctions cannot access certain systems. Canada also enforces its own set of sanctions, which may overlap with US-based sanctions. 

Attempts to log into to Duo MFA-protected applications from a device with an IP address in a sanctioned country will be blocked, resulting in an “Access Denied” error message. If you are planning to travel to a sanctioned country, please contact one of the following for support: 

I am a student studying on the Vancouver campus

I am a student studying on the Okanagan campus

I am Faculty or Staff 

We recommend checking guidance from the Government of Canada for any potential updates about Device security for travel and telework abroad and ensure you read about Cyber security while travelling.

Make sure you are prepared before you travel by considering the data protection laws in your destination country. Remember, it is wise not to carry any sensitive data across borders if you are not ready to lose or disclose it, as laws regarding intellectual property and digital information can vary widely.

During your trip

While travelling, be mindful of your surroundings and the security of your data

During your trip, take these steps to secure your devices:

Learn more from the Government of Canada about Remaining cyber safe while travelling and read about Mobile devices and business travellers.

After your trip

Ensure your data remains secure after your travels

When you return home, take these steps to clean up and secure your devices:

Go Further...

Following the guidance provided by the Government of Canada can go a long way in safeguarding your devices and personal information while you're abroad. With these precautions in place, you can journey with peace of mind, knowing that your electronic devices are shielded from potential threats.

Stay up to date on the latest developments and frequently visit websites like the Government of Canada's Cyber Security and Travel Advisory pages for valuable insights.

• Travel advice and advisories by destination
• Device security for travel and telework abroad
• Cyber security while travelling
• Remaining cyber safe while travelling: security recommendations
• Mobile devices and business travellers