International travel presents unique risks to research data and cybersecurity challenges. This page contains helpful information on safeguarding research data.
U of A's research enterprise consists of valuable data. As such our researchers, and any other individual who has access to U of A data, are susceptible to attempts to gain access to U of A systems and research data. Here are some methods someone may use to gain access:
- Assessment (A friendly discussion to assess whether you have valuable information.)
- Eavesdropping
- Theft of information
- Theft of electronic devices
TIPS for protecting unpublished research data
- Unpublished research data should be removed from any device taken to a foreign country. The Research Security Program is not responsible if unpublished research data is taken to a foreign country.
- Be aware of using public wireless networks.
- Never leave your electronic devices unattended.
- Disable wireless and Bluetooth when not in use.
- Be aware of questions designed to assess whether you have valuable information (e.g., how your research is conducted, leading questions about your research, references to real or false information about U of A).
- Be aware of "fast friends" and flattery (e.g., praise, "I heard you're the expert," a common friend, provides confidential information about their research or institution).
Note: Encryption products, data, technology, blueprints or other drawings may fall under export control regulations. Contact Export Control for more information.
After reviewing requests for foreign travel, the Research Security Program will contact the traveler when a clean laptop should be used to mitigate an identified research security concern. A clean laptop is encrypted, and an endpoint management solution will be used to provide elevated security of the device. Applications and downloads will be restricted but individuals can contact the Research Security Program who will work with UITS to ascertain risks associated with the requested applications being used in a foreign country. The USB ports will be blocked on each laptop to prevent data theft.