Traveling with Laptops

Traveling with laptops and other smart devices

"Any data that is stored on the computer and is sensitive in nature, or requires an export license if shared outside the United States, will present a risk if the laptop is taken on a trip outside the United States. University employees should not be using University computers for personal financial information or any other personal information they would not want viewed without their permission."

There is not a lot publicized about this issue but there are two requirements we would have:

1.  MOST IMPORTANTLY, the computer ABSOLUTELY MUST be scanned just before the trip to be sure that there are no social security or credit card numbers buried in its memory or any other personally identifiable information.  The College's network administrator can be of great help with this.

2.  Although there is no University Policy on the matter, you should make the "faculty member" aware that if he or she intends to bring the computer back into the US from abroad, the U.S. Customs Service has initiated a process whereby they have the right to confiscate inbound electronic equipment such as computers, memory sticks (any storage device) etc., looking for items of National Security.

Persons should be aware that they run the risk of losing the computer at Customs.

3.  If the intent is to permanently leave the computer abroad, then the Financial Officer should be consulted concerning disposition of the asset.

Here is a link to the University's Travel website where international travel with electronic devices is discussed in more detail.