Protecting Your Team on the Go: A Guide to Corporate Travel Security from Megawire
Posted On November 28, 2024, by Megawire Marketing Team
Business travel is essential for many organizations, but it also presents a growing list of cybersecurity challenges. With sensitive corporate data at risk, IT professionals play a critical role in ensuring employees can work securely while traveling. At Megawire, we understand the unique challenges of securing corporate data during travel, and we’re here to support senior IT professionals in protecting their extended teams.
Below, we outline actionable strategies that IT teams can adopt to safeguard their organization’s information while empowering employees to work securely and effectively, no matter where their travels take them.
1. Implement Device Hardening Protocols Before Travel
Corporate devices used during travel are prime targets for cybercriminals. To mitigate these risks, IT teams must prioritize “device hardening” by securing all aspects of a device—from its operating system to installed applications.
Key Actions:
- Full Disk Encryption: Ensure laptops, smartphones, and tablets are encrypted to protect sensitive data if a device is lost or stolen. Solutions like BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (macOS) can provide robust encryption.
- Remote Wipe Capabilities: Enable remote wipe features through tools like Microsoft Intune or Jamf Pro, allowing IT teams to erase sensitive data from compromised devices instantly.
- Restrict Administrative Privileges: Limit admin access on devices to prevent unauthorized software installations that could introduce vulnerabilities.
Pro Tip: Conduct a quick pre-travel device check-up with employees to ensure compliance with these security protocols.
2. Deploy a Corporate VPN Solution
Public Wi-Fi networks—whether at airports, hotels, or coffee shops—are a significant threat to corporate security. Hackers frequently use these networks to intercept sensitive communications or inject malware. IT teams can mitigate this risk by providing employees with a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution.
Best Practices:
- Enterprise VPN Solutions: Use services like Cisco AnyConnect or Palo Alto GlobalProtect for secure, encrypted connections.
- Auto-Activation: Configure VPNs to automatically activate whenever employees access public networks.
- Awareness Training: Educate employees on the risks of fake Wi-Fi hotspots and stress the importance of always using the VPN, even if a network appears legitimate.
3. Enforce Role-Based Security Measures
Not all employees require equal access to corporate systems while traveling. Implementing role-based access controls (RBAC) ensures that each team member can only access the resources they need for their role, reducing the risk of data exposure.
Recommended Measures:
- Segment Access: Use tools like Azure Active Directory or Okta to restrict access to sensitive systems based on job roles. For example, marketing staff traveling for a conference may not need access to financial data.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Require 2FA for all remote logins. Apps like Duo Security or Google Authenticator add a critical layer of protection against unauthorized access.
- Travel-Specific Policies: Implement stricter permissions for employees traveling to high-risk regions, such as temporary restrictions on certain systems.
4. Equip Employees with Secure Communication Tools
Employees often rely on personal messaging apps or non-secure email platforms while traveling, which can increase the risk of data leaks. IT teams must provide secure, enterprise-approved communication tools to ensure data stays within the organization.
Recommended Tools:
- Encrypted Messaging Platforms: Equip employees with enterprise-level solutions like Microsoft Teams or Slack Enterprise Grid for secure conversations.
- Mobile Device Management (MDM): Use MDM platforms like VMware Workspace ONE to control app usage on corporate devices and ensure only approved tools are installed.
Reminder: Educate employees to avoid sharing sensitive information on unapproved platforms, even in emergencies.
5. Provide Pre-Travel Cybersecurity Briefings
Preparation is key to ensuring employees understand the risks they face and the measures in place to protect them. Pre-travel cybersecurity briefings should be a standard part of any travel preparation process.
Key Topics to Cover:
- Password Management: Encourage the use of password managers like LastPass to create and store strong, unique passwords securely.
- Physical Security: Provide cable locks for laptops and educate employees on avoiding leaving devices unattended in public spaces.
- Phishing Awareness: Warn travelers about phishing emails disguised as travel updates, fake hotel confirmations, or event invitations.
Bonus: Create a cybersecurity checklist that employees can refer to during their travels, including reminders to disable Bluetooth and update software.
6. Prepare for Lost or Compromised Devices
Despite the best precautions, devices can be lost or compromised while traveling. IT teams must have a comprehensive response plan in place to minimize damage.
Key Elements of a Response Plan:
- Incident Reporting: Ensure employees know how to quickly report lost or compromised devices. Set up a dedicated email or hotline for immediate action.
- Containment Measures: Use tools like Jamf Pro (Apple) or Microsoft Endpoint Manager to lock or remotely wipe compromised devices.
- Post-Breach Protocols: Require affected employees to reset passwords and participate in a post-incident review to identify gaps in security practices.
7. Provide Travel-Optimized Devices
For high-risk travel, consider issuing dedicated “travel-only” devices that are pre-configured with heightened security measures. These devices can be tailored to contain only the data and applications necessary for the trip, reducing exposure.
Benefits:
- Minimal Risk: With limited data stored locally, the potential impact of theft or loss is greatly reduced.
- Post-Trip Reimaging: After the trip, IT teams can wipe and reimage devices to ensure they are malware-free.
- Controlled Environment: IT teams can monitor these devices more closely, ensuring compliance with security policies.
At Megawire, we recognize that IT professionals play an essential role in safeguarding corporate data and enabling secure business travel. By implementing robust measures—like device hardening, VPN solutions, and role-based access controls—IT teams can ensure their extended team is protected from evolving cybersecurity threats.
Business travel doesn’t have to be a cybersecurity headache. With the right tools, protocols, and training in place, organizations can empower their employees to focus on their objectives without worrying about data security risks.
Looking for ways to enhance your corporate travel security strategy? Megawire is here to support IT professionals with tailored solutions that keep your team safe, productive, and connected—wherever their business takes them. Get in touch today.
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This blog is not meant to provide specific advice or opinions regarding the topic(s) discussed above. Should you have a question about your specific situation, please discuss it with your Megawire IT advisor.
Megawire is a full-service Managed IT services provider. We primarily service all of Ontario and the rest of Canada, the US, and Australia virtually. Our team provides IT infrastructure assessments, network security audits, cloud computing solutions, and IT support for businesses of all sizes and industries.
If you would like to schedule a call to discuss your Managed IT services with one of our team members, please complete the free no-obligation meeting request. – For more details, Click Here.
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