The Equipment Rental Service provides security and guidance to UMD community members traveling domestically or internationally with high-risk or confidential data on laptops and other electronic devices. You can complete a Laptop Rental Request Form. to rent a university laptop. If you have questions related to cybersecurity while traveling, contact the Division of Information Technology (DIT) Security at itsupport@umd.edu.

NOTE: DIT highly recommends not traveling with high risk/confidential data unless absolutely needed.

 

Before renting a laptop

It is strongly recommended that you review the following links before renting a university laptop.

• Travel Tips and Best Practices
• Multi-factor Authentication and Duo
  
  • Obtain a Duo Hardware token.
  • Register a Duo Hardware token.
  • Use the mobile app to function like a hardware token.
• IT-2 UMD Data Classification Standard
• U.S. State Department Alerts and Warnings
• Requesting Laptop Form and FAQ
• Cybersecurity Travel Tips

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• Review the Cybersecurity Travel Tips and Suggestions.
• Verify the password self-service portal allows you to change your password.
• Save documents required during travel to Google Drive or Box and adjust access settings.
• Choose and test a Multi-factor Authentication method for international travel.
  
  • Obtain a Duo Hardware token.
  • Register a Duo Hardware token.
  • Practice the steps to use the mobile app to function like a hardware token.
• Reset your password and disconnect from all network devices.
• Do not allow any UMD or personal devices to auto-login with your credentials.
• Do not use an administrator account as your primary user account.
• When you use a loaner device, make sure all operating systems and applications are updated and patched before leaving.
• Bring only the data required to complete work.

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While traveling

• Use the UMD GlobalProtect "TunnelAll" Gateway at all times, check email, and save files in Google Drive or Box.
• Leave sensitive data stored securely on UMD servers and access it remotely only via UMD's .all Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. This provides secure access to your data without transporting it with you. 
• Do not store passwords or other credentials on the rental device.
• Do not use the same password for multiple services.
• Only connect using known and trusted networks.
• Do not turn on join wireless networks automatically. Always manually select the specific network you want to join after confirming its name and origin with the provider.
• Do not turn on the camera, microphone, or Bluetooth.
• Use UMD Google Drive or Box to save all data.
  
  • Local data will not be saved.
• Refer to the IT-2 UMD Data Classification Standard when sending and saving data.
• Contact DIT at itsec-consulting@umd.edu with questions or technical issues.
• Do not apply software updates while on travel.
  
  • Disable auto update.
• Avoid using public workstations (e.g. workstations in a hotel business center).
• Be aware of your surroundings when entering your data to access accounts.
  
  • People may be watching you or attempting social engineering.
• Keep track of what credentials you use while traveling.
• Whether you sign into personal or UMD accounts while traveling, keep track of the services you access.
• If you're on an extended trip, change passwords periodically.
• Use network drives for viewing and transferring data.
• Do not leave devices unattended or unsecured.
• Log out of the laptop when not in use and disconnect from the .all VPN profile.

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When you return

• Save your work to Google Drive or Box before returning the laptop.
• Format any external file storage devices used on other machines while traveling. Some examples include hard drives, USB flash drives, and SD cards.
• Change all passwords to any accounts used while you were traveling.
• Monitor accounts for abnormal activity, such as:
  
  • Lockouts
  • Excessive spam

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