Purpose
If you are traveling to one or more countries that are deemed to pose high information security risks, take a loaner laptop and smart phone to help keep intellectual property—yours and the university’s—safer.
Why it matters
You likely have data stored on your device, and that data may be viewed as valuable to certain foreign governments or other entities, or must be protected under university policies, state or federal laws.
- The U.S. State Department, along with the UO Information Security Office and Safety and Risk Services, recommend removing personal and sensitive information from your devices before you travel. If you must bring laptops or cell phones, keep them in your possession at all times.
- Do not accept thumb drives, install unfamiliar software, open suspicious links, or connect to unsecured wireless networks. If you must connect to untrusted wireless networks (e.g., non-EDUROAM networks), connect to the UO VPN before you access any UO systems.
- Protect your electronics with up-to-date anti-virus software. (see U.S. Dept. of State Overseas Security Advisory Council Reports for more information).
For quick tips on safe international travel, watch this short video about Travel Security. For specific recommendations on securing your data and devices when traveling, see Information Security recommendations before, while and after returning from traveling abroad.
Loan Program
When you arrange travel via Concur to one or more countries that pose significant information security risks, the university encourages you to take a loaner device. All faculty and staff may use this service to request loaner device. We encourage you to pick up the device several days in advance of your trip so that IT staff can address any questions or issues you may have before you depart.
Important! Upon return, please do not connect device to University network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to use check out devices?
Any UO faculty, staff or student employee who is traveling to a high-risk country is eligible to borrow devices. When you set up travel in Concur, you will receive an email to notify you that you should borrow a device.
UO employees traveling to other locations are not eligible to borrow devices as this program aims to reduce risks in traveling to certain locations.
Can I also borrow a smart phone?
This program is in its infancy. Initially, we will focus on loaning laptops. We plan to offer Apple iPhones at some point in the future.
How long can I borrow a device for?
Thirty (30) days is the maximum loan duration. (The average trip duration to these countries is 14 days, according to past travel data.) Field research may require longer trips and we will work with you to accommodate those needs.