Traveling with Technology

Before you Travel

Required Training

Complete any mandatory international travel safety training, such as the course available in TrainTraq (Course #2111728), as required by university policy. Depending on your role and funding sources (e.g., federally funded research under NSPM-33), additional security briefings may be necessary.

Check High-Risk Country List

For travel to certain designated high-risk countries or countries of concern, using a university-provided loaner device is required, and taking university-owned devices containing university data may be prohibited. Consult with the Research Security and Export Controls (RESEC) office and System Risk Management for guidance.

Consult with Export Controls

Consult with the RESEC Export Controls office (exportcontrols@tamu.edu) well in advance if you plan to take any university equipment, software, technical data, prototypes, or samples abroad, as export licenses or specific handling procedures may be required.

Let Technology Services Know

Submit a ticket, there is additinoal security agents that we can install to keep you more protected when travelling.

During Travel

Physical Security

Keep devices under your direct physical control at all times. Never leave them unattended in hotel rooms (even in safes), meeting rooms, vehicles, or public areas. Do not pack laptops or other critical devices in checked luggage.

Network Security

Avoid using public Wi-Fi (airports, hotels, cafes) for sensitive activities or logging into university resources. Use a mobile hotspot (personal or university-provided) if possible. When using any untrusted network, always connect through the official Texas A&M VPN service to encrypt your connection. Only use websites secured with HTTPS.

Reporting an Incident

Report any lost, stolen, or potentially compromised devices immediately, even while still abroad. Contact local authorities if appropriate, and notify the Texas A&M Security Operations Center via email at security@tamu.edu or your departmental IT support.

Following these guidelines can significantly reduce the cybersecurity risks associated with international travel and help protect both you and the university.

Additional Information can be found here: https://www.it.tamu.edu/security-and-policy/it-policy/it-policy-guides/international-travel.html