The Business Woman's Guide to Cybersecurity While Traveling: Protecting Your Data On the Go
Travel is a vital part of business growth, networking, and opportunity--especially for women entrepreneurs. But with the freedom and excitement of business travel comes a unique set of cybersecurity and personal safety challenges. It's important to protect both your sensitive data and your personal well-being on the road.
Use this post as a checklist to walk through practical steps to safeguard your business and yourself, covering everything from device security and border inspections to working safely in-flight and abroad. Plus, you'll find links to trusted resources for women’s travel safety.
NOTE: If you have any questions about data privacy laws, check in with a lawyer who specializes in data privacy.
The TL;DR ("too long; didn't read" summary) is this: If you travel internationally often, consider have a travel laptop and phone that are set up, secured, and ready to go. Otherwise, plan a couple of hours to prepare your equipment. Most of the things listed below are best practice, anyway, so probably will just be a quick confirmation rather than a full set up. Also, order some of the items recommended in this post early enough to get them before your trip, such as USB data blockers so you can charge devices safely and privacy screens so you can use your device on the plane without people in the row behind you or next to you being able to see what you are doing.
The Business Woman's Guide to Cybersecurity While Traveling: Protecting Your Data On the Go
Before You Travel: Essential Cybersecurity Preparations
Border Crossings and International Considerations
Physical Security: Preventing Device Theft and Visual Hacking
Secure Connectivity: WiFi, VPNs, and Juice Jacking
Protecting Your Digital Identity
After Your Trip: Post-Travel Security
Personal Safety Resources for Women Travelers
Conclusion: Security is Empowerment
Bonus: Common Scams to Watch Out for While Traveling
Before You Travel: Essential Cybersecurity Preparations
Device Preparation
Update all software, operating systems, and security apps before departure. (Make it easy by setting up automatic updates so you are always up-to-date -- as long as you don't "snooze" the updates.)
Install or update antivirus and anti-malware programs.
Back up your devices to secure, encrypted cloud storage or an external drive.
Enable “find my device” and remote wipe features on all equipment.
Turn off auto connect to WiFi, as well as filesharing, AirDrop, and similar features.
Consider using “travel only” devices with minimal business data for high-risk trips.
Data Minimization
Inventory your data: what customer, financial, or business info must you access? Plan to access it in the cloud rather than having it on your device, if you can.
To make sure that, if your device is lost or stolen, your data on your device remains inaccessible without your authentication, use full-device encryption (such as BitLocker on Windows or FileVault on Mac.)
Note that moving customer data on your laptop across borders, especially to countries with weaker data protection laws, may constitute a transfer and can trigger various GDPR and other requirements. There's some grey area as to short-term travel transfers, but it's best to just leave it in the cloud.
Authentication and Access
Use strong, unique passwords for every device and account.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for email, cloud services, and banking.
Set up a password manager with offline access for your trip.
Border Crossings and International Considerations
Border Device Inspections
Customs officials in some countries may request access to your devices.
In the U.S., border patrol has broad authority; in other countries, laws vary.
Using a “clean” travel device with minimal data for border crossings minimizes risk.
Log out of cloud services and apps before arriving at checkpoints. (In the U.S., regardless of citizenship, border patrol can search content on devices, but not content in the cloud.)
Encryption Laws
Some countries restrict or ban encrypted devices and software.
Research your destination’s laws before you travel.
The “Wassenaar Arrangement” allows encrypted devices for personal use in many countries, but not all.
Physical Security: Preventing Device Theft and Visual Hacking
Preventing Device Theft
Use anti-theft bags and keep devices with you at all times.
Don’t display expensive equipment in public.
Use cable locks for laptops in hotels.
Store devices in hotel safes when not in use.
Visual Privacy
Use privacy screens on laptops and phones.
Sit with your back to a wall in public workspaces.
Cover cameras when not in use.
Secure Connectivity: WiFi, VPNs, and Juice Jacking
"Juice Jacking"
Avoid public USB charging stations--they can transfer malware or steal data.
Use your own AC charger or a portable battery pack.
If you must use a public charger, lock your device and use a “USB data blocker” adapter (aka a "USB condom".)
WiFi and VPNs
Avoid public WiFi for sensitive work. Use your phone as a hotspot if possible.
Always use a VPN when connecting to any public or semi-public network.
Disable automatic WiFi and Bluetooth connections.
Log out after use; "forget" networks to avoid auto-reconnect.
Working on Planes
Airplane WiFi is generally unencrypted and risky.
Use a VPN and avoid sensitive transactions.
Double-check you’re connecting to the airline’s official network.
Use privacy screens so people behind you can't see your work.
Protecting Your Digital Identity
Limit Social Media Sharing: Don’t post real-time updates about your travel plans or location. Oversharing can alert criminals that you’re away from home or make you a target for scams and theft
Leave Sensitive Documents and Cards at Home: Only bring essential identification and payment methods. Leave your Social Security card, checkbook, and unnecessary credit cards in a secure place at home. Consider making copies of important documents and storing them securely in the cloud or with a trusted contact
Use Secure Payment and Identity Methods: Use RFID-blocking wallets or bags to protect cards from electronic pickpocketing. When paying, keep your cards in sight and avoid letting anyone take them out of view. Consider digital identity apps (like Airside) that let you control and encrypt your personal data for travel and ID verification.
Monitor Financial Accounts and Set Alerts: Set up transaction alerts with your bank and credit card companies. Regularly check your statements for unauthorized charges. Notify your financial institutions of your travel plans so they can better detect suspicious activity.
Be Cautious with Emails and Links: Travelers are prime targets for phishing scams. Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments in emails or texts, especially those claiming to be from airlines, hotels, or banks.
Working in Foreign Countries
High-Risk Destinations
In countries with active surveillance (e.g., China, Russia), use clean travel devices.
Disable WiFi, Bluetooth, and location services when not needed.
Avoid discussing sensitive business in public or over hotel phones.
Secure Communications
Use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps.
Change passwords frequently during and after your trip.
Be aware of local surveillance laws and practices.
After Your Trip: Post-Travel Security
Change all passwords you used while traveling.
Scan devices for malware before reconnecting to your home or business network.
Wipe and reimage devices used in high-risk locations.
Securely transfer business data to your main systems and delete from travel devices.
Personal Safety Resources for Women Travelers
Cybersecurity is only one piece of the puzzle. Personal safety is equally important. Here are some other resources for women traveling for business:
Solo Traveler World: Solo Female Travel Safety: Tips for solo travel, including local support and emergency preparedness.
5 Solo Travel Tips for Black Women: Tips for solo travel for black women.
Traveling as a Woman of Color: Women of color face unique challenges.
10 Essential Travel Tips for Queer Women: take precautions to travel safely and have a stress-free trip.
UK Government: Advice for Women Travelling Abroad: Research destination culture, health, and legal issues.
U.S. State Department: Information for Women Travelers: Official tips on local customs, health, transport, and emergency support.
Conclusion: Security is Empowerment
Traveling for business is empowering, but it comes with risks that women business owners must address head-on. By preparing your devices, minimizing data, using strong authentication, and staying alert to both cyber and physical threats, you can travel confidently and securely.
Remember: the investment you make in cybersecurity and personal safety isn’t just about protecting data--it’s about protecting your business, your reputation, and your peace of mind. Safe travels!
Bonus: Common Scams to Watch Out for While Traveling
Taxi scams: Drivers may claim their meter is broken, overcharge, take longer routes, or offer flat rates far above the normal fare. Always use licensed taxis, insist on the meter, or agree on the fare before starting your trip.
Uber scams: Uber and like ride-sharing services are more transparent in some ways, but they still can take longer routes for higher charges. In rare cases, scammers can pose as drivers. Always book and pay through the app, double-check that the driver matches the driver and car in the app, and monitor the route.
Vehicle rental scams: When renting scooters, motorbikes, or jet skis, some operators may claim you caused damage and demand large sums, sometimes holding your passport as collateral. Always photograph the vehicle before use and never leave your passport as a deposit.
Currency exchange scams: Scammers may offer great rates on the street but give you counterfeit or short-change you through sleight of hand. Use only reputable exchange services or banks.
Overcharging and wrong change: Shopkeepers, taxi drivers, or restaurants may overcharge or give incorrect change, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the currency. Always check prices and your change carefully.
“Free” gifts and distraction scams: Someone offers you a free bracelet or souvenir, then demands payment or uses the distraction for pickpocketing. Politely decline unsolicited gifts and stay alert in crowded areas.
Closed attraction scam: A local claims a tourist site is closed and offers to guide you elsewhere, often to overpriced shops or tours. Double-check opening hours yourself.
Fake accommodation or ticket scams: Scammers create fake listings for hotels, rentals, or event tickets, then disappear with your money. Book through reputable platforms and verify listings.
Visa and document scams: Fraudulent agents may sell you unnecessary, fake, or overpriced visas and permits. Only use official government channels for travel documents.
ATM and credit card skimming: Devices attached to ATMs or point-of-sale terminals steal your card information. Use ATMs in secure, well-lit locations and cover your PIN.
Pickpocketing and theft: Crowded tourist areas are hotspots for pickpockets, often working in groups or using distractions. Keep valuables secure and be wary of strangers creating commotions.
“Victim of crime” or emergency scams: You may receive emails or messages claiming a friend or relative is in trouble and needs money. Always verify such claims independently.
Have you run into others?
Staying vigilant, using common sense, and sticking to official or reputable services will help you avoid most travel scams. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is.
