Keeping Your Phone and Data Secure While Traveling

When traveling internationally, you may wish to bring your personal cell phone with you in order to stay connected. Here are some ways to keep your phone secure on the trip. Options for maintaining service internationally vary by location, including adding an international service option to your US cellular service or purchasing a temporary local SIM card at your destination. You may also choose to disable your cellular service and just use your phone in Wi-Fi mode.

Check Your Encryption Settings

Make sure that your phone is encrypted. Most modern phones have encryption automatically in place when you have a passcode, Face ID, Touch ID, or other biometrics set up, but if your phone is more than 5 years old, you should check.

You can check your security settings for iPhones by going to Settings > Passcode (or Touch ID and Passcode, or Face ID and Passcode), scrolling to the very bottom and making sure that "Data protection is enabled" appears at the bottom of the screen. Android devices have similar settings, but the location will vary depending on device.


Use Find My iPhone or Find My Device

Make sure Find My Device (Android), Find My iPhone (Apple), or other location services for your specific phone are enabled. This will allow you to locate and remotely lock/wipe the device if needed.

If your device is stolen, we recommend wiping it immediately and reporting the loss to T&I so we can remove it as an authorized Duo authentication device for you.


Boost Your Passcode Security

If you have a 4-digit passcode, consider changing to a 6-digit or longer passcode to thwart thieves.


Be Aware of Your Location & Wi-Fi Connection

Be wary of using your phone in conspicuous public places, especially where a thief may grab the phone while you are using it

Avoid untrusted public Wi-Fi where possible. If in Europe, your phone will be safest on a country-wide cell network (including when roaming with your US carrier.) Hotel Wi-Fi is often ok for general tasks, but be wary of malls and open public networks. Use caution when accessing any sensitive information, like bank accounts or Davidson accounts, and consider using a VPN in these situations.

If your phone is joined to eduroam at Davidson and you'll be near European universities, eduroam will work and is a great high-trust network to use.


Remove any Unnecessary Davidson Files

Delete any Davidson files containing confidential Davidson or student information that you may have downloaded to the phone.


Update Your Phone

Make sure your iPhone or Android device is fully updated to the latest security patches before you depart.


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