Digital Security Advice for Traveling Hunters

You use passwords, anti-virus software and due diligence to protect yourself from malicious attacks that could harm your home computer. But what about when you travel? How can we American hunters keep ourselves safe when we aren’t in the comfort and security of our own home but in various places, often remote, with unknown threats?

As we head into the fall hunting seasons, here’s some advice for traveling hunters to avoid compromising their digital safety that I’ve learned over the years as the Intelligence Products and Services Manager for Global Rescue.

• While traveling overseas, especially in non-Western countries, it is generally safe to assume that your online behavior and interactions are being monitored. While this may not always be the case, it will help to establish a security-conscious mindset and make you more aware of what you’re doing on your phone or computer. It’s rare that authorities will confront a traveler regarding their online behavior, but you should still be concerned with protecting your privacy and preventing the compromise of any sensitive information, including your personal identity, bank account information, family relations, etc.
• Be aware of the political climate in your destination country. Conditions can range widely in terms of privacy of electronic communication. In some countries, comments made on social media can result in fines or arrests, or may result in additional questioning or scrutiny during customs screening. It’s always safe to avoid making any political, social, religious or other controversial comments online while traveling, and in some cases, even before travel.
• Understand your unique risk profile. For instance, if you are a journalist traveling to a country with an illiberal democracy to report on a controversial topic, you may be more susceptible to attempts at hacking or monitoring and may need to take more precautions, whereas if you are a tourist going to a modern Western country, the risks will be significantly less.
• Use encrypted e-mail—not your personal email address—and log into a virtual private network (VPN) when on the Internet. Don’t send any emails while overseas on private or personal issues that can wait until you’re home. Alert friends and family of your trip before you leave and make sure they don’t send you any sensitive or private information while you’re traveling.
• When possible, keep electronic devices with you at all times. If this is not practical, use a safe in the hotel room to store electronic devices while not in the room.
• Use a hardline internet connection when possible. Wi-Fi connections are easily monitored or hacked by third parties. Use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) will minimize this threat when using Wi-Fi.
• Password-protect all electronic devices. Use a different password for each.
• Ensure virus detection software is updated and present on all devices, including Windows-based smartphones and tablets.
• Consider using a “clean” device for typing purposes that never touches the Internet.
• Store all work files in an encrypted container located on a removable storage device that is secured when not in use.
• Erase all unneeded documents and personal photos from devices before travel.
• Download a commercial “secure deletion” program, or use the “secure empty trash” feature on a Mac. Remember, even if data is deleted using the recycle bin, it can still be retrieved.
• Maintain a low electronic footprint while traveling. For example, don’t post to social media during the trip and ensure past postings and/or connections cannot be misconstrued as hostile. Maintain private settings on all profiles and ensure any location tracking mechanisms on your phone are disabled.
• Travelers to certain countries should assume their data has been compromised if they connect to the Internet or other networks. As much as possible, don’t conduct sensitive business—such as banking—while overseas or on any unsecured networks.