Free Webinar Replay : Avoid the IT Travel Woes

Business travel is fraught enough.  It’s a nightmare to balance tight connections, and tough time zones with work colleagues that are accustomed to being able to link you into Teams meetings and urgent chats.

Avoiding the IT Travel Woes: A Webinar Recap 

How to stay safe, secure, and productive when you’re on the road 

INTRODUCTION 

If you’re a frequent business traveller, you know how challenging it can be to keep your IT devices and data protected and accessible. From the risk of theft and loss, to the dangers of public Wi-Fi and phishing scams, there are many potential pitfalls that can disrupt your work and compromise your security. 

That’s why Kinetics hosted a webinar on avoiding the IT travel woes, featuring CTO Bill Lunam and CEO Matt Paterson. In this webinar, we shared some practical tips and best practices on how to prepare for your trips, how to use your devices safely and smartly, and how to deal with common IT issues that may arise when you’re away from your office. 

In this document, we’ll summarize the main points of the webinar and provide some key insights and takeaways for you to apply to your own travel plans. Whether you’re travelling for a few days or a few weeks, these tips will help you stay productive, secure, and stress-free. 

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL 

The first step to avoiding the IT travel woes is to be prepared before you leave. Here are some things you should do to make sure your devices and data are ready for your trip: 

• Pack smart. Have a checklist of all the IT items you need to take with you, such as chargers, cables, headphones, adapters, etc. Use a data blocking cable to prevent unauthorized access to your device when you plug it into a USB charging port. Use a carry case to store your items in one place and avoid leaving them behind in your hotel room. 

• Change your password. If your password is due to expire soon, change it in advance and make sure it’s unique, complex, and different for each account. This will prevent you from being locked out of your accounts or having to reset your password over an insecure network. 

• Update your device. Make sure your device is running the latest version of its operating system and applications. This will ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes, and avoid any interruptions or delays caused by updates. 

• Test your remote connectivity. Make sure you can access your work network, files, and applications remotely. Use a VPN or a secure cloud service to encrypt your data and protect it from prying eyes. 

• Inform your IT support team. Let your IT support team know when and where you’re travelling, and how they can reach you in case of an emergency. They can also help you with any IT issues or questions you may have before or during your trip. 

DURING YOUR TRAVEL 

Once you’re on the road, you need to be vigilant and careful about how you use your devices and data. Here are some things you should do to stay safe, secure, and productive: 

• Protect your physical device. Don’t leave your device unattended or exposed in public places, such as cafes, airports, or taxis. Use a lock or a cable to secure your device to a fixed object, or keep it in a safe or a locked bag. Use encryption, biometric authentication, and screen timeout to prevent unauthorized access to your device in case of theft or loss. 

• Avoid public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and vulnerable to hackers, who can intercept your data, steal your passwords, or infect your device with malware. If possible, use your own mobile data or a trusted Wi-Fi network, such as your hotel or a client’s office. If you have to use public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to encrypt your traffic and avoid accessing sensitive or confidential information. 

• Be aware of phishing and scams. When you’re travelling, you may be more likely to receive phishing emails or calls that try to trick you into revealing your personal or financial information, or clicking on malicious links or attachments. These emails or calls may pretend to be from your IT support team, your bank, your travel agent, or even your boss. Don’t trust anyone who asks you for your information or to do something urgent or unusual. Always verify the identity and the source of the sender or caller, and follow your company’s policies and procedures. 

• Keep your colleagues informed. When you’re travelling, your colleagues may also be at risk of phishing and scams, especially if they receive emails or calls that claim to be from you or related to your trip. Make sure your colleagues know when and where you’re travelling, and how they can contact you. Don’t use email or text to approve or request anything important, such as payments, invoices, or contracts. Use a phone call or a video call instead, and follow your company’s policies and procedures. 

CONCLUSION 

Travelling for business can be rewarding and enjoyable, but it can also pose some IT challenges and risks. By following these tips and best practices, you can avoid the IT travel woes and make your trip a success. Remember to be prepared, be vigilant, and be smart when you’re on the road, and don’t hesitate to contact your IT support team if you need any help or advice. 

We hope you found this webinar recap useful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us at Kinetics. We’re always happy to help you with your IT needs and solutions. Thank you for joining us and happy travelling.