Page 12 - WERC Mobility - November 2021

Insights

Protecting Employees

Abroad From Cyberattacks

BY THOMAS PATON, GMS | SENIOR/SPECIAL PROJECTS WRITER | NEI GLOBAL RELOCATION

mployees traveling globally face • Turn off Bluetooth when not needed.
a mounting challenge, beyond Bluetooth accessories, when paired with phones
working and settling in abroad: or tablets, are not a high risk, but they can be
E personal and professional cyberattacks. if they automatically enter pairing mode when
To avoid these sophisticated threats, it’s crit- turned on and no device or previous connec-
ical that global mobility, HR, IT, and security tion is available. Do not connect your phone
help travelers take precautions. via any Bluetooth device you do not plan to
use. Activating airplane mode prevents possible
REMINDERS FOR DATA SAFETY surveillance or hijacking in airports, rental cars,
If there were a single recommendation to fol- ride-shares, cabs, etc.
low for avoiding data breaches, it would be this: • Enforce multi- or two-factor authentications.
Connect only to “trusted” networks in foreign Any applications and resources should be
locations—and, even then, proceed with caution. restricted, using access control lists and context-
8 In other words: Don’t access Wi-Fi just because you aware security, from all foreign geolocations,

can. Other tips to protect personal and corporate unless traffic originates from your home offices

worldwideerc.org • Use a VPN to connect to the internet. It’s the • Highlight situational awareness in cyber train-
data when traveling abroad include:
or is VPN-routed.
safest way to connect to a network, since it will
ing. Employees being aware of their physical
behaviors while working remotely can limit
encrypt your connection and ensure that your
device is secure.
what people or devices can see or record.
• Use a USB data blocker. Even connecting to a

USB power source to charge your device can be

This polarized protective layer placed over your
screen blurs content across a range of angles,
risky. A USB data blocker prevents unwanted • Use a privacy filter to restrict screen viewing.
data transfers or access. preventing anyone from prying.
• Issue “burner” phones or “travel-only” laptops. • Give packing advice. Companies should
Provide employees with dedicated travel devices encourage employees to “pack data-light” and
containing the minimum amount of data needed leave unnecessary electronic equipment at home.
for each trip. If an employee must travel with a
mobile device that contains sensitive informa- NOT ALL LOCATIONS ARE EQUAL
tion, consider fully encrypting it. A practical introductory guide that gives an over-
• Update devices after international travel. Devices view of the many 2021 laws, regulations, acts, and
used abroad could be compromised or vulnerable decrees that regulate data protection and privacy
to malware. Travelers should update security soft- in 30 countries around the world can be found at
ware and change passwords on devices before and https://i-sight.com/resources/a-practical-guide-to-
after returning from international travel. data-privacy-laws-by-country.

Send your article ideas,
letters, and feedback to
mobility@worldwideerc.org.