Business Travel Security
By: Oscar Villanueva, PCI, PI
Vilafor, LLC, Risk and Security Consulting
Business travel is rebounding after a prolonged slumber during the pandemic, and with this comes an increased risk while being away from the office. Being away from the office often means bringing tech equipment and documents along, and leaving usual routines and familiar surroundings for often unknown locations and uncertain conditions. These circumstances are likely to create increased risk for personal health and safety, security, and opportunities for loss or theft of equipment like laptops, smartphones, sensitive documents, and even intellectual property information.
Being in unfamiliar surroundings, work responsibilities and busy schedules during travel often create an environment that can be distracting. It is always important to take a moment before and during travel to consider possible risks and be prepared for contingencies and maintaining a good level of situational awareness.
Following the tips below can help mitigate risk during business travel and ensure a safe return home:
Situational Awareness Situational awareness is being aware of your immediate surroundings, understanding possible risks and considering what to do should an incident occur. For example, when attending a movie theater being situationally aware means identifying emergency exits, having an idea of what to do should an evacuation be necessary and being ready to act. Similarly, if walking in a tourist area known for having many pickpockets, it would be beneficial to secure personal belongings and avoid becoming an easy target.
Situational awareness also means doing research on the travel destination to be visited, including areas to stay away from, airport transfers and overall transportation options, and understanding ahead of time what to do in case of an emergency (traveler resources like embassies, local government assistance, etc.).
Health and safety Consider the health requirements and risks of the destination. There are vaccine requirements for many parts of the world and knowing this ahead of time is essential for a smooth trip. Global vaccination requirements and recommendations along with disease information can be accessed at the World Health Organization website. Consider reviewing this site carefully, ensuring compliance with requirements and following recommendations to stay healthy during travel.
Criminal activity/civil unrest
Depending on the destination, criminal activity and potential civil unrest can be a concern. Practice situational awareness and avoid areas of known criminal activity or civil unrest. Anonymity can be very helpful. Avoid bringing attention to yourself and avoid conflict. If traveling internationally, become informed regarding travel risk information for your destination and stay updated throughout your trip. Prevention is key and that starts with avoiding trouble spots and risky areas. It is also important to let someone back home know your travel plans and ask for support should the need arise.
Business equipment/documents
It is routine to bring tech equipment and documents along during business travel. This may include a laptop and smartphone. Both devices can be attractive to thieves and offer an opportunity for theft of the devices or the contents. Prior to leaving the office, consider taking a loaner laptop and smartphone during the trip and if possible use encryption for these devices. It is also important to bring only the most essential documents on the trips to minimize risk.
The tips above are not all inclusive, there are many risks that should be considered prior to travel, so being prepared is essential to keeping yourself safe and secure. And on a final note, the CDC has reported in the past that traffic accidents are the leading cause of injury death to US citizens in foreign countries, so make sure you use a seatbelt.
Do you have a risk or security challenge or question?
Contact us at info@vilafor.net
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