6 Easy Ways to Stay Cybersecure on the Road

Last Updated on October 27, 2025

Are you a sometimes road warrior? That is, someone who infrequently travels for business, so they don’t have a travel cybersecurity protocol in place?

I am excited to be traveling to and presenting at the American Medical Writers Association conference in Phoenix this week, so I though I would share 6 easy ways I’ll be staying cybersecure while I travel.

6 Easy Ways to Stay Cybersecure on the Road

Travel requires navigating a mine field of public wi-fi networks, rando charging kiosks/docks, and unsecured public spaces. Here’s how this cybersecure freelancer plans to manage these cyber threats on the road.

1. 1. 1. Physical security. My devices (phones, computer) will not be left in public spaces. This simple step can be the best preventive measure.
      2. Encryption. All our company devices are encrypted. That means, if they are lost or stolen the likelihood the thief could access them is extremely low. If you plan to travel with a device on which you store sensitive or proprietary information, encrypt your hard drive.
      3. Virtual private network (VPN). All our company devices also have VPN protection installed, and company protocol is to use VPN on public networks. Public networks—like the conference center wi-fi, your hotel room wi-fi—expose your data to other users.
      4. Anti-virus. Anti-virus software protects my laptop, because malware comes in a number of different forms and can attack all devices.
      5. USB data blocker. Mobile charging cords transfer data, so plugging into a public charging kiosk (or USB charging strip, or even hotel room lamp with a USB charger) leaves you vulnerable to juice jacking and malware. I’m bringing a compact Porta Pow 3rd Gen USB Data Blocker so I can charge worry-free.
      6. Flash drive (USB jump drive). One of my  presentations requires a PowerPoint presentation. The conference requires use of the onsite laptops—so I will follow best practices to prevent losing of data or bringing malware home with me. I have a flash drive I use expressly for business presentations, and I scan it for malware after using it with the onsite laptops so I don’t transfer malware to my devices. If you do not want to encrypt the drive, be certain to password protect your files in case you misplace your drive.

These 6 steps offer incredible protection, and, with the exception of the very inexpensive Porta Pow 3rd Gen USB Data Blocker, they are preventive measures that should already be in place (and in practice) in your small business.

Safe travels!