Foreign Travel Security

When traveling internationally it’s important to plan ahead and take steps to ensure your data is protected. In anticipation of travel, review the BU Global Programs  International Travel webpage and the International Travel Risk Policy, as well as the guidance below.

Travel Registry

Global Programs maintains an International Travel Registry through International SOS. Registration is required for all undergraduate and graduate students and staff members prior to undertaking any University-sponsored travel.

At this time, faculty members are strongly encouraged to register and it is expected that they may be required to register in the near future, in compliance with National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33). The University will communicate to faculty any changes in registration requirements.

Benefits of Registering

  • Registration allows BU to provide individuals and groups with pre-travel preparation and travel advice, especially when the planned travel takes you to high-risk destinations;
  • Registration also allows BU to communicate with travelers when incidents affecting travel and operations occur overseas, including natural disasters, civil unrest or terrorism, or outbreak of disease.

      What Does This Mean for BU Researchers?

      Preparing for Travel

      • Obtain all necessary approvals from your department, lab, or center prior to booking your trip
      • Register all BU-related travel in BU’s International Travel Registry through BU Global Programs and consult the BU International Travel Risk Policy.
      • If you are traveling to a Country of Concern (i.e., a country on a US watch list), contact the Export Controls Office at export@bu.edu to determine if an export license is required.
      • Your travel may require disclosures, as follows:
        • FCOI disclosure in Huron: If your research is funded by NIH or DOE, disclose any travel reimbursement of more than $5k US in the past 12 months
        • External and International Activity Report: Charles River Campus faculty should complete their External and International Activity Report in MY CV. BU Medical Campus faculty should submit theirs on the BUMC website.
        • Sponsor: Sponsor disclosures are made through your BioSketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support forms and it is your responsibility to include all requested information therein.
      View disclosure requirements by agency

       

      Travel Cybersecurity

      Global Programs and IS&T are available to assist you as you plan for engagements outside the US, especially on issues of information security and data privacy.

      BEFORE YOU GO

      Do your research.

      • Laptops, encryption products, data, technology, blueprints, or other technical drawings may fall under export control regulations. Contact BU Export Control for more information.
      • Additionally, certain encryption or devices may be prohibited in some countries. Contact Global Programs for more information.

      Back up your information. Back up your data to another device or cloud service in case your device is compromised. Faculty and staff, consider using your BU OneDrive to back up personal work files. University-issued laptops are eligible for backup and restore services provided by IS&T through Code42.

      Update devices & apps. Make sure your operating systems and applications are updated to the latest version available and turn on automatic updates, so you don’t have to think about it.

      Enable encryption & set all your devices to lock. Encryption works together with device lock to help prevent access to the data on your device should you lose it. Keeping tablets, smartphones, and laptops locked when not in use is critical when travelling. Devices have security & privacy settings that allow you to encrypt your device and lock it with a fingerprint ID, facial recognition, or PIN. Note that there are several countries that restrict bringing in encrypted devices, visit BU’s Global Programs webpage for more information and a map.

      Prepare to travel with a clean laptop. If you’re traveling with particularly sensitive data (research findings, student data, etc.) and/or to countries that require decryption, consider borrowing a “loaner laptop” from IS&T or your department. Please check with your local desktop support department for loaner device availability.

      DURING YOUR TRIP

      Stop auto connecting. Some devices will automatically seek and connect to available wireless networks or Bluetooth devices. This instant connection opens the door for cyber criminals to remotely access your devices. Disable these features so that you actively choose when to connect to a safe network.

      Protect yourself when connecting. Before you connect to any public wireless hotspot—such as at an airport, hotel, or café—be sure to confirm the name of the network and exact login procedures to ensure that the network is legitimate. Use the BU VPN when accessing BU resources or handling University data. Your personal hotspot is often a safer alternative to free WiFi.

      Minimize location sharing. Disable location services that allow anyone to see where you are—and where you aren’t. It’s common for travelers to inadvertently expose themselves as targets for scammers and other criminals as soon as they land by leaving dating apps on that “auto-match” based on location. In addition, avoid updating your social networking sites while traveling to new cities or countries and instead wait till you’re home to share. Limit the information you post online to limit threats to your property, including your work devices.

      Guard your mobile devices. To prevent theft and unauthorized access or loss of sensitive information, never leave your equipment—including any USB or external storage devices—unattended in a public place. Keep your devices secured in taxis, at airports, on airplanes, and in your hotel room.

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