Data Security Tips for Business Travelers

Business travel is rewarding and sometimes even fun, but it creates additional risk for your digital data.  Whether you’re heading to a client meeting or a conference, your phone, laptop, and tablet are treasure troves of sensitive information.  Losing control of that data—even briefly—can lead to costly breaches or reputational damage.

The good news?  A few smart habits can keep your information safe without adding stress to your trip.  Think of these steps as your digital travel checklist—simple, practical, and designed for peace of mind.

• Use strong device locks. Set a complex passcode or biometric lock on every device. Avoid simple PINs like 1234 or birthdays.
• Enable “full-disk encryption.” Most modern laptops and phones now offer this built-in encryption. Turn it on so your data stays protected even if the device is lost.
• Update before you go. Install the latest security patches and software updates before leaving. Outdated systems are prime targets for hackers.
• Avoid public wifi without a VPN. Free airport wifi is convenient—and risky. If you must connect, use a reputable virtual private network to encrypt your traffic.
• Turn off auto-connect features. Disable settings that automatically join known networks. This prevents your device from connecting to rogue hotspots.
• Use multifactor authentication. MFA adds an extra layer of security for email, cloud storage, and business apps—even if your password is compromised.
• Carry a privacy screen. Shoulder surfing is real. A simple screen filter can keep prying eyes off your work.
• Back up before you travel. Store a secure backup of your files in the cloud or on an encrypted drive. If disaster strikes, you won’t lose everything.

Not only will following these tips help protect your company’s data and reputation, but could potentially also protect your data. If you use your work devices for anything personal, like ordering lunch on your personal device or