Essential Travel Tech Safety Guide by Destination Risk Level
Whether you’re traveling for business, leisure, or extended stays, digital safety should be part of your packing list. The following outlines includes essential practices, tools, and precautions based on your destination risk level, purpose of travel, and duration.
Digital Security by Destination Risk Level
Low Risk – Most Developed Countries – Focus on basic precautions
▪ Use a VPN
▪ Lock devices with strong passwords
▪ Avoid unsecured public WiFi
Primary concerns are petty theft, opportunistic cybercrime, pickpockets. Standard digital safety measures are usually sufficient.
Moderate Risk – Emerging Markets / Some Restrictions – Enhanced precautions recommended
▪ Encrypted communication tools (e.g., Signal, ProtonMail)
▪ Limit social media and sensitive data use
Primary concerns are government monitoring, internet censorship, data theft. Consider privacy tools and limit info sharing.
High Risk – Authoritarian Regimes / Conflict Zones – Maximum precautions essential
▪ Use burner devices (temporary phones/laptops)
▪ Remove all non-essential data and apps
▪ Avoid sensitive communications—assume all activity is monitored
▪ Use cash when possible to avoid digital trails
▪ Research local surveillance laws and search authority
Consider whether travel is necessary; consult a security professional.
Business Travel: Digital Security Checklist
- Follow company policies – Know and apply your org’s travel security protocols
- Use a corporate VPN – Only access business networks via secure, approved VPNs
- Protect intellectual property – Use additional encryption for confidential files
- Separate personal and business – Avoid cross-use of accounts or devices
- Report incidents immediately – Alert IT/security teams to suspicious activity
Extended Travel: Ongoing Security Maintenance
- Regular security reviews – Reassess your digital posture at least monthly
- Update emergency contacts – Keep communication lines open in all formats
- Maintain device health – Install security patches and software updates
- Monitor subscription services – Avoid forgotten recurring charges while abroad
- Plan for device replacement – Have a strategy for outdated, damaged, or lost tech
High-Risk Destination Quick Checklist
- Use this as a go/no-go prep tool when entering high-surveillance or conflict regions:
- Use burner devices only
- Strip devices of non-essential apps/data
- Avoid sensitive communication entirely
- Pay with cash whenever possible
- Research local surveillance laws and risks
