Global IT Checklist

Pack power charger and any adapters

Make sure device chargers will work at your destination. Most chargers support 100-240 volts, which work in most countries but, you probably need a plug adapter to connect to wall ports at your destination, and may need a voltage adapter in some locales. 

• Review power standards for your destination (IEC reference) (link is external)

Plan cell phone service

Plan before you go to avoid losing service or incurring thousands of dollars in unplanned roaming charges.

Using a US-based carrier like Verizon or AT&T: verify coverage and activate a global plan for discount voice/text/data. (Business managers can activate these for Duke-paid phones.)

Activating local service at your destination: confirm your phone is unlocked and compatible with that country's carriers.

• More information on international cell phone use

Set up eduroam

The eduroam WiFi network is a secure, simple way to get online at universities, research sites and other locations worldwide. If you're traveling to a site that has eduroam (and thousands do), set up eduroam before you leave Duke and be automatically connected on arrival.

• Duke eduroam information

Install VPN and enroll in MFA

Use Duke's VPN to secure your online access to Duke files and access Library and other Duke resources.  Make sure VPN is installed and working on your devices before you go.  Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is required to access the Duke Virtual Private Network (VPN).  Enroll in MFA prior to leaving so you are able to access VPN service.

• Duke VPN (portal.duke.edu) information and installers
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) information and enrollment
  

Prepare for data access

Remove Duke sensitive or restricted data from devices before traveling.  Plan instead to use Duke Box or a departmental file server to securely access your files while traveling; Box Sync can also back up files from your laptop to the cloud, helpful if your device is lost or stolen. If your email account has sensitive Duke information, consider removing it from your device and use Office 365 webmail instead.

Caution: If traveling with data/software that may be export-controlled contact export@duke.edu ASAP.  Duke Box may not be used for such items.

• Duke Box information
• Office 365 web access(link is external)
• Duke Export Controls guidelines(link is external)

Update and secure devices

Install any updates through Software Update (Mac), Windows Update (Windows), or Settings (iOS/Android) before your trip. Make sure anti-virus software, web browsers, and personal firewalls are installed, enabled and up to date. Duke's IT Security Office has more travel tips to secure web browsers and devices. 

For Duke-owned devices, let your departmental IT support know about your trip so they can check and update your device before you leave.

• Duke IT Security Office tips for tech security while traveling(link is external)

Password protect and encrypt devices

Configure all devices to require a strong password or passcode and automatically lock when idle to prevent unauthorized access.

Laptop users should contact their local IT support for help with Duke's Whole Disk Encryption (WDE) solutions, such as FileVault 2 (Mac) and BitLocker (Windows). iPhones and iPads are encrypted when passcodes or Touch ID is enabled; Android users should enable encryption in their Security settings.

Note: Local laws/regulations may restrict use of encryption; contact Duke Export Controls if you have questions. Always comply with local officals' requests to access your device. If you travel with an unencrypted device, we recommend it contain no Duke data. 

• Laptops: Duke Whole Disk Encryption (WDE) information(link is external)
• Smartphones/tablets: Securing your iOS/Android device(link is external)

Electronic devices are major targets for theft when traveling. Enable "Find My iPhone" (iOS) or "Android Device Manager" to locate, lock and erase lost/stolen devices if needed. Prey is a similar solution for Windows and Mac laptops.

• More information on Android Device Manager(link is external) and Find My iPhone(link is external)
• Prey Project(link is external) for Windows and Mac

Activate or update Duke challenge/response verification questions for your NetID -- OIT staff may need these to help you with your account or password.

Duke faculty and staff should enable NetID multifactor authentication for all Duke sites. The Duo Mobile smartphone/tablet app can provide a passcode even if offline; or, register your US or international number(s) to get passcodes via SMS worldwide.

• Update challenge/response verification(link is external)
• Multifactor authentication settings

Bring contact info for IT help

OIT's Service Desk is open 24 hours a day most weekdays to provide IT support and help to travelers in any time zone. Also, make sure you have phone and email contact information for your school/departmental IT support staff and your US cellular carrier, including any international support phone numbers they publish.

• Get help from OIT's Service Desk
• Global support contact information for AT&T(link is external), T-Mobile(link is external), and Verizon(link is external)

Even with a global plan/feature enabled or with using an in-country provider, cellular data is always more expensive than using a trusted WiFi network, like eduroam or a corporate/school network at your destination.

Disable cellular data and data roaming on smartphones and tablets except when absolutely needed, since email, map and other apps are often using data even when you're not using the device. Close apps running in the background on devices when possible.

While WiFi is a handy way to stay connected, when you access the Internet from an unsecured network (including WiFi networks at airports, train stations and hotels), you run the risk of eavesdropping or attempts to steal account or credit card information. Use Duke's VPN on these networks to improve your security, and avoid them whenever possible.

Avoid using public Internet kiosks or recharging stations.

Erase/wipe device if lost or stolen

If your device is lost/stolen overseas, use Android Device Manager, Find My iPhone, or Prey to lock and erase the device. Additionally, University Office 365 email users who enabled their @duke.edu email account on their smartphone/tablet can wipe their device through Office 365's web interface.

• How to remotely erase a device via Office 365(link is external)