Data Security for International Travel

In addition to taking the necessary steps to ensure your personal safety while traveling abroad, you should review and follow Harvard University’s guidelines on data security, and other useful tips on protecting your computer and your data.

University Data Classification Table

High Risk Confidential
and
Research Data
Level 4		Confidential
and
Research Data
Level 3		Internal
Confidential
and
Research Data
Level 2		Public
and
Research Data
Level 1
Information designated as
high risk under University
policy.		Information that, if disclosed, could cause material harm
to persons or the University
or risk of legal liability.		Lower risk confidential information which Harvard
has chosen to restrict.		Public information.
Examples:*Examples:*Examples:*Examples:*

Name plus one or more 
of below:

  • Social Security number
  • Driver's license number
    or state-issued identification card number
  • Financial account,
    credit or debit card number
  • Identifiable Research Subject Data
  • Biometric identifier
  • Designated institutional information
  • Donor, development or planning information
  • Non-directory student information
  • Limited research data
    sets
  • School or self designated intellectual property
  • University ID numbers with or without name
  • Results of research where confidentiality was promised but is not required
  • Published or widely available information about Harvard
  • University course catalogs
  • Campus maps
  • Employment postings
  • De-identified research data
 * Subject to IRB requirements and third-party contractual agreements (e.g., data use agreements)

 

Harvard University Best Practices for Data Security During International Travel

The chart above provides guidance on the relative sensitivity of different types of data. You should consider the kinds of data you have stored on cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices that you are traveling with and plan for the protection of that data using the best practices listed below.

High Risk Confidential

  • Do not store on your local hard disk or portable device.
  • Consult with Robert McCarthy, HLS Risk and Security Administrator, if you are working with HRCI in any way.
  • Review remote access options with Robert McCarthy,  HLS Risk and Security Administrator.

Confidential and Internal Confidential

  • Ensure appropriate controls are in place to protect your information
  • Use a secure method to transmit your information.
  • Secure hardcopy records.
  • Have a legitimate Harvard business use for your data.

Public

  • Use strong non-shared passwords.
  • Change passwords if you suspect compromise.
  • Do not store HRCI on your computer. 
  • Securely dispose of Harvard information per regulatory requirements and University policy.

For Questions and Consultation

Please contact Robert McCarthy, HLS Risk and Security Administrator (rmccarthy@law.harvard.edu).

Useful Links

Country-specific entry and exit information, US State Department: that://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html

US Customs and Border Protection policies and tips (mostly for re-entry to the United States)
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/admissibility/

Standards for the protection of personal data of state residents, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/docs/idtheft/201cmr1700reg.pdf

Articles on data security from around the web

Data Protection While Traveling - Tired of I.T.!
http://www.tiredofit.ca/2010/12/21/data-protection-traveling/

Tips on IT Security While Traveling - Montana State University - Northern
http://www.msun.edu/its/security/traveling.htm

10 Tips to Protect Your Laptop from Theft - Microsoft at Work
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/security/laptopsecurity.aspx

Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Laptop and Data While Traveling - Consumer Traveler
http://www.consumertraveler.com/columns/top-10-tips-to-protect-your-laptop-and-data-while-traveling/

How to Keep Your Data Safe While Traveling - WorkAwesome
http://workawesome.com/software/data-safe/

Don’t Take a Vacation from Internet Security - LA Times
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/05/travel/la-tr-money-20110605

Traveling Abroad with Technology - Inside Counsel
http://www.insidecounsel.com/2011/05/27/technology-traveling-abroad-with-technology

Last modified: November 16, 2012

ABOUT APPLY ACADEMIC ALUMNI SOCIAL & MOBILE
Contact Us JD Academic Calendar Events YouTube Offsite Link
Map & Directions LLM Course Catalog HLS Connect Twitter Offsite Link
Accessibility SJD Curriculum HLSA Facebook Offsite Link
Consumer Information Joint Degrees HELIOS Reunions Mobile Apps Offsite Link
Resources for Journalists JD/PhD     HLS Social Media
Website Feedback Offsite Link Fellowships CAMPUS PUBLICATIONS News RSS Feed
    Student Services Faculty Publications  
ADMINISTRATION FOR EMPLOYERS Student Organizations Student Journals GENERAL
Departmental Directory Private Sector Recruiting Safety and Security Offsite Link Harvard Law Bulletin Harvard University Offsite Link
Deans and Department Heads Public Interest Recruiting Sustainability Harvard Law Today Jobs at HLS | Harvard Offsite Link
Human Resources HLS Case Studies Privacy Statement
        Trademark Notice Offsite Link
        Emergency Information

© 2013 The President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved.

Back to Top