Security Notice: This service is for travel notification purposes only and should not be used to request technical support. The International Travel Notification does not replace any travel registration requirements established by the Office of International Affairs.
Overview
The Information Security Office (ISO) encourages faculty, staff, and students traveling internationally to voluntarily submit an International Travel Notification prior to departure. Providing your travel information helps ISO better assess unusual account activity that may occur while you are abroad and distinguish legitimate travel-related access from potentially suspicious activity.
Who Should Complete This Form?
Faculty, staff, and students who plan to travel internationally and may access university accounts, systems, or data while abroad are encouraged to complete the notification form.
Why Submit an International Travel Notification?
When users travel internationally, account sign-in activity may appear unusual due to:
- Logins from foreign countries
- Use of unfamiliar networks and internet service providers
- Changes in device location
- Increased cybersecurity risks associated with international travel
By voluntarily notifying ISO of your travel plans, security staff can better evaluate account activity and reduce unnecessary security investigations or account restrictions resulting from legitimate travel.
Submit Your International Travel Notification
VPN Usage While Traveling
To help ensure the security of university accounts and data, the Information Security Office recommends avoiding the use of personal VPN services when accessing university resources whenever possible. Personal VPN services can obscure your actual location, potentially trigger security alerts, and in some cases interfere with access to university systems.
If you need a secure connection while off campus, please use the university-supported VPN:
VPN Install and Login Instructions (Cisco AnyConnect)
Using the university-supported VPN helps provide a secure connection while allowing university security systems to appropriately evaluate account activity.
Cybersecurity Risks While Traveling
Traveling with electronic devices increases the risk of:
- Device loss or theft
- Unauthorized access to sensitive information
- Malware infections
- Credential theft
- Connection to insecure wireless networks
- Targeted cyberattacks against travelers
International travelers should take extra precautions to protect university and personal information while away.
Travel Security Best Practices
Before You Travel
- Ensure your devices are updated with the latest operating system and security patches.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all university accounts.
- Back up important data before departure.
- Travel only with the devices and data you need.
- Review destination-specific travel advisories and cybersecurity guidance.
While Traveling
- Avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks whenever possible.
- Do not leave devices unattended.
- Be cautious when charging devices using public charging stations.
- Report lost or stolen university devices immediately.
- Be alert for phishing emails, unexpected login prompts, and suspicious requests for information.
After Returning
- Review account activity for anything unusual.
- Report suspected security incidents to the Information Security Office.
- Ensure devices are updated and scanned for malware if necessary.
Additional Resources
The following resources provide valuable travel security information:
Questions? For international travel notifications or cybersecurity concerns while traveling, contact the Information Security Office at itsecure@ncat.edu.