When you’re off-campus or traveling and need to access your email and other College applications, review these tips and keep your information secure.

“Secure” wireless access

• Avoid connecting to open wireless networks in public places, where your online activity can be compromised by others.

Using VPN

• Use SSL VPN to access on-campus network resources from off-campus over an encrypted connection.

• In some countries, note that even with SSL VPN that your activity may not be private or secure. Some online content may not be restricted without VPN.

Offline Google options

• Access your Google Drive offline.

• Access your Gmail offline via Chrome.

Back up computer before you go

• Faculty/staff can securely back up their office computer to CrashPlan Pro.  Note that backups will not occur from off campus unless you are connected to SSL VPN.

Cell phones

• Contact your cellular provider in advance to discuss options for international calls as part of your existing plan or research cost-effective alternatives, such as Google+ Hangouts.

Securing laptop when traveling

• If you have PI on your laptop, you must securely delete it.  College policy prohibits storage of PI on laptops and mobile devices.  For instructions see: Symantec Encryption Desktop for Windows or Secure Empty Trash for Macs.

• Make sure your laptop hard drive is encrypted with either Symantec Encryption Desktop for Windows, or File Vault for Macs.

• Enable automatic screen lock after a period of inactivity (recommend 15 minutes or less).

Use a strong domain password to lock your computer. Domain password resets require that you use some combination of letters, numbers and/or special characters of 8 characters or more. Avoid using dictionary words. Instead, use acronyms for things like favorite songs, restaurants or other items known only to you.