Chris Brook

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"Distrust and caution are the parents of security" - Benjamin Franklin

Use VoIP – or Copper

Google Voice is a free VOIP service that can be used to create “throw away” voice accounts for travelers. Having your conversations handled on Google’s infrastructure also provides a measure of security over foreign telecommunications networks, which – depending on the country – could cooperating with the state to conduct surveillance on visiting executives. Once your trip is over, discontinue the number. Even better: kick it old school style with analog communications. “A lot of the focus of the surveillance industry is on digital communications. Analog is considered a thing of the past.

Stay away from Wifi

If you have to have Internet access, Morehouse said that executives should avoid using public Wifi connections at all costs. Hotel and public wifi networks are notoriously dodgy and can expose traveling business executives to man-in-the middle and redirection attacks. At the same time, travelers are drawn to them for fear of racking up expensive data fees on foreign 3G networks. Business conferences and other gatherings are a great resource for those looking to steal confidential information and monitor communications, so beware.

Switch your SIM

Rather than carrying your SIM (and the data it contains), consider buying a temporary SIM once you arrive at your destination. Many airports have kiosks that sell prepaid SIM cards that are inexpensive and come with prepaid data and minutes. They’re perfect for traveling executives, won’t give an attacker any worthwhile data if they’re stolen or confiscated, and can be disposed of when you leave.

Leave your phone at home

by Chris Brook

Executives who travel abroad should, whenever possible, leave their mobile device at home. “If you don’t have to take the device, don’t take it,” Morehouse said. Prepaid phones are a cheap alternative that can be used just for travel, phones that don’t store any sensitive data are preferable.

(Image via raitank‘s Flickr photostream)

Talk to IT

by Chris Brook

Well in advance of your departure date, have a sit-down with IT to talk about your trip and about how to avoid exposing sensitive corporate assets and information to compromise. Your IT group will probably be able to help you find work arounds, secure a line back to the company network and even provision you with a “clean” device (mobile phone, laptop, etc.) for your trip.

Protect Yourself Abroad

by Chris Brook

Researcher Justin Morehouse has logged more than 100,000 miles to eight countries in the last year. His message: business travelers are at greater risk of being hacked than ever before, especially when it comes to smart phones and tablets. Now the security expert has distilled his research and first-hand experiences into some sage advice for travelling executives and VIPs. Here are eight ways you can protect yourself abroad.

New Android Malware Controlled by SMS, Records Calls, GPS Location

by Chris Brook
2

A new form of Android malware controlled via SMS messages has been discovered and the malware can record phone calls, upload the device’s GPS location, and reboot the phone, among other things.Researchers at NQ Mobile Security working with Dr. Xuxian Jiang’s team at nearby North Carolina State University uncovered the malware, named TigerBot.

Cybersecurity for your growing business
Cybersecurity for your growing business

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