Technology Preparation for Traveling

Introduction

The University believes in protecting everyone in the UW Community's information. With this, when you are preparing to travel, there are a couple steps you can take before traveling to make it easier and safer to connect to UW resources while you are traveling. If you have any questions about these, please contact the UWIT Help Desk at 307-766-4357, option 1. Please note that certain destinations, technologies, and activities may require additional review or licensing prior to travel.

If you are planning on traveling internationally, please navigate to International Travel for the standard steps for precaution.

Prepare for Two Factor Authentication

Sometimes travel can make it harder to use the University's Two Factor Authentication Method that you normally use

• Example: If you normally use Duo Mobile on your phone and are traveling internationally Duo Mobile may not be available 

With this the University provides different recommendations for users Two Factor Authentication method to ensure safe and successful use while traveling.

Traveling with Duo Mobile 

If you normally use Duo Mobile for two-factor authentication and change your SIM card while traveling (such as using an international SIM or eSIM), Duo Mobile may stop receiving Duo Verified Push notifications. 

To avoid issues accessing your University account while traveling, we recommend setting up another authentication method before you leave.

• Please navigate to the University provided Knowledge Base article, Adding & Managing 2FA Devices for guidance on how to add a device  

• If you are needing assistance please reach out to the UWIT Help Desk at 307-766-4357, option 1 

Traveling with Duo Mobile as a Tablet 

If you will be traveling with a phone or tablet that has internet access, we recommend registering that device with Duo Mobile as a tablet before your trip.

• Registering the device as a tablet allows you to receive Duo Verified Push notifications over Wi-Fi, without relying on a cellular network or international phone service. This is often the easiest way to continue using Duo Mobile while traveling.

Hardware Security Key (Yubikey)

If you will be traveling and will not have access to a device with Duo Mobile. Our recommendation when traveling is to use a hardware security key.

• You may need to purchase a hardware security key such as a Yubikey yourself, for more guidance on this please navigate to Selecting and using a security key (i.e., Yubikey) for two-factor authentication.

• You will need to enroll and test the security key before you leave the country.

Connect to Eduroam

Eduroam is a wifi option that allows you to connect to wifi on other campuses, often at a speed higher than a guest network. Once properly configured, you can access the wireless network automatically without having to enter a username or password. UWyo offers network services equivalent to wired ports on the UW data network. 

• Please navigate to the University provided Knowledge Base article, Connect to the Eduroam network for instructions 

• You may also discover where eduroam networks are located by navigating to The Map

International Travel

If you are planning on traveling internationally, consult with Export Control before taking any type of University-Owned Equipment, Materials, or Data outside the United States. In many cases, standard, commercially available laptops and other “off-the-shelf” equipment are not export-controlled, however there are extreme circumstance that falls under the exception 

Extreme Circumstances

If you have a device that contains any of the following specialized:

• Software

• Research

• Unpublished Results

• Information Subject to Federal Regulations or Sponsor Restrictions 

Recommended Precautions

To help safeguard University data and reduce risk during international travel, we recommend the following 

• Travel With A Clean Device: 

  • When possible this it is highly recommended to travel with a clean device. 

  • UW Information Technology can provide "Clean" encrypted devices or prepare your device for travel 

• Remove Following Types Of Data:

  • Remove any types of sensitive, proprietary, or unpublished research data prior to departure  

• Avoid Storing Controlled Or Restricted Data: 

  • We recommend you avoid storing any type of controlled or restricted data on your device unless explicitly authorized 

• Enable Full Disk Encryption:

  • Ensure when this is enabled that a strong password protection is in place  

• Use Secure VPN Access: 

  • It is highly recommended to connect to a secure VPN when connecting to University Systems Remotely

  • You may use the University VPN, WyoSecure, to connect through a computer by following the respective instructions to set it up prior to traveling: 

    • Mac Computer | Windows Computer | Linux Computer

• Disable Automatic Connections: 

  • We highly recommend disabling any type of automatic connections when not in use 

    • E.G., Automatic Connections to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 

• Be Cautious When Using Public / Unsecured Networks:

  • Public / Unsecured Networks also include locations such as hotels, airports, and conference venues  

• Do NOT Allow Unauthorized Individuals Access:

  •  Always keep your device with you and ensure no unauthorized individuals access your device(s) at any time 

• Back Up Your Data:

  •  Ensure you are backing up your data to university systems before additional travel, which also includes returning to the United States

• Report Any Loss, Theft, or Suspicious Access Immediately:

  • Ensure you are reporting this to the University IT/Security Personnel IMMEDIATELY 

• Work With IT:

  • We recommend you work with IT to have your device scanned for malicious software upon return and prior to re-connecting to the University Network