Personal Security Resources

• Create an out of office automated reply, if applicable.
• Access your voicemail by calling 306-585-4800 and using your 4-digit mailbox number along with your passcode.  If forwarding voicemail messages to email is desired, please contact the IS Service Desk for help.
• Ensure you have strong passwords for UofR related services according to the password guidelines.
• Ensure your Antivirus is current and actively running scans.
• Backup your devices before traveling. Should your device be lost or stolen, your data will be stored safely elsewhere. Do not store the backup on portable media, such as a USB drive, and pack it with your luggage. Leave the backup at home, or at the office in an appropriately locked storage.
• Travel light: Plan to bring a minimum number of devices. Reducing the number of devices that are being traveled with reduces the risk of compromise. Do not bring a device unless it is required.
• Ensure all devices are configured to use a password, passphrase, or passcode. Ensure the passcode or password is automatically enabled when the device is unattended, locked, or sleeps. Never store the passcode with or on the device.
• Remove all sensitive, or personal data from devices before traveling. For example, on a smartphone or tablet, prior to traveling it is recommended that you save your data, reset to factory defaults, and restore your backup when you return. For laptop computers, remove any documents containing personally identifiable data, confidential data, or institutional data from your computer.
• Have your unit head contact the IS Service Desk 1 week prior to make arrangements, if a temporary device is desired for travel.
• Ensure the University of Regina VPN client is installed. The VPN client should be used when accessing University services across the internet.
  • The VPN tunnel does not encrypt all traffic. Only traffic destined for University Network services is encrypted. See, technote for installation of the VPN client for multiple types of devices.
  • When traveling to countries listed in the OFAC sanctions list, there may be restrictions on using American made software such as the Fortinet VPN software used by the University of Regina.  Please review sanctions before travel.
• Familiarize yourself with the Information Security policy. These policies apply when you are traveling for university business.
• Complete the online Information Security Awareness Training.
  • The Information Security Awareness Training is designed to raise awareness about information security, good information security practices, and related policy in order to help prevent unintentional compromises of sensitive information and computing systems. 
  • Specific topics related to traveling include handling of confidential data, physical security, wireless access points, recognizing and reporting a security incident, and working in public places.

• Ensure the VPN client is installed.
• The VPN client should be used when accessing University services across the internet.

• Do not plug your phone or tablet into public USB chargers or kiosks. This can be a threat to the data on the phone as the cable may be connected to a hostile computer or device designed to infect your phone.
• It is recommended to only use your own trusted chargers, cables, and power supplies.
• Do not leave your devices unattended. Do not assume that a computer or mobile device left in a hotel room will be secure.
• Do not share your device with anyone else.
• Avoid using public computers when possible, such as those provided by libraries, hotels, etc.
• Minimizing the amount of sensitive data created, stored, and transmitted is important in reducing information security risk.

• Public networks are often unsecured and potentially monitored by the service provider, use caution when connecting to the internet using public networks.
• When possible, limit your use to casual browsing, example: checking the news, looking up restaurant or flight information, etc.
• If required, use VPN when accessing University network services.

• If account compromise as a result of travel is suspected, change your uregina.ca password, and Banner password (if applicable): Instructions for changing password accounts.
• If any signs of an loss of confidentiality, data integrity, or data loss occur as a result of travel, follow the directions to report an information security incident.

If you are away from your computer, lock it so that a password is required for log in. 

• Windows: CTRL+ALT+DEL, Enter or Window+L
• Mac:  COMMAND + CONTROL + Q or use a hot corner to lock or initiate the screen saver

• Keep sensitive data on approved storage locations rather than on local desktops or laptops, as local machines can be more easily stolen.
• Shut down or lock devices when not in use.
• Secure devices in public areas with lock and key when possible.
• Hard copies containing sensitive information should be kept in locked storage, and make a habit of turning documents face down.
• Minimize the amount of printing. Paper copies can lead to information breaches. Also, ensure sensitive documents are properly disposed of by shredding.
• Exercise caution when using public terminals.
• Do not use found physical media such as USB sticks.
• Minimize use of portable media such as memory sticks or portable hard drives as they are vulnerable to loss, damage or compromise.