Business Travel Cybersecurity 101: 5 minutes with Synergy’s Mitch Christian
Are you worried about what steps to take to ensure your data is protected on your next business trip or short-term assignment? In today’s digital world, cyber threats are a growing concern for travelers, making it crucial to safeguard your personal and company information while on the go. A proactive approach can help you stay secure and focus on what matters most—your work.
Synergy’s Infrastructure and Information Security Director, Mitch Christian, has bounds of advice to offer when it comes to business travel cybersecurity. From checking the State Department’s Travel Advisories to ensuring your VPN is always turned on, we sat down with Mitch to get the down-low on the best tools to add to your cybersecurity toolkit.
What are the most common cybersecurity threats that business travelers face today?
Mitch highlights the dangers of connecting to unknown Wi-Fi networks, particularly in airports. He advises “using a VPN at all times” and being mindful of the networks you connect to. Other risks include phishing attacks, device theft, and tampered charging stations. “While traveling, it’s easy to let your guard down because of everything going on around you,” mentions Mitch. “Make sure you pay close attention when answering emails,” and be cognizant of your belongings and your surroundings.
What is your top piece of advice for protecting devices and sensitive information while traveling for business?
Mitch recommends “multiple layers of security”: encryption, biometric authentication and remote wiping capabilities in any case of theft. He emphasizes storing data in the cloud rather than on the local device. “Do not just depend on a simple password to secure a laptop,” he shares. Ultimately, you want to make sure you always have a backup plan.
Are there any regions or countries where cybersecurity risks are heightened for business travelers?
Absolutely. Certain countries, particularly those with stricter government surveillance or where intellectual property theft is more common, can present heightened cybersecurity risks. For instance, in places like China, using a burner phone or temporary laptop is a recommended precaution. Reducing your digital footprint and minimizing sensitive communication while traveling in such regions is crucial.
“It’s always best to consult with your IT department before traveling to any high-risk destinations” Mitch says. Additionally, you can stay informed by checking the latest advisories from the U.S. State Department at Travel Advisories. Preparation is key when managing cybersecurity risks abroad, and it’s essential to tailor your practices based on where you’re headed.
How can business travelers securely manage sensitive documents when using shared or public devices?
Limiting the use of sensitive documents and enabling VPN protection should be traveler’s first port of call, while using encrypted storage and strong authentication methods (like biometrics and MFA) are crucial.
How should travelers handle a cybersecurity breach or compromised device when they are on the road?
“First, know your company incident response policy and follow that when on the road,” warns Mitch. “In most cases, you should immediately call your IT/Security department, report the incident and get instructions on next steps. It is critical to stop what you are doing and report any incident right away so preventative measures can be taken.”
What tools or technologies should be part of every business traveler’s cybersecurity toolkit?
“Whether in the office or on the road, the focus always is about protecting the data,” encourages Mitch. Again, travelers should be using VPN protection, encryption, biometrics, facial recognition, pins and more for safety and security measures. But, above all, Mitch reiterates, “awareness is the best tool to protect data.”
Always report anything that seems abnormal to your IT department immediately. Be safe, be aware.”
From advanced phishing attacks and deepfake technology to zero-day exploits and Internet of Things (IoT) device vulnerabilities, hackers are everywhere and are coming through almost anything attached to the internet. With emerging cybersecurity threats that are acutely targeted at business travelers, it’s more important than ever to always be aware of your surroundings, protect your devices, and educate yourself on best practices to maintain your data safety and security.
How Synergy Global Housing Protects Business Travelers
At Synergy Global Housing, ensuring the safety of our guests is a top priority, and this extends to data security. That’s why we’ve achieved ISO 27001:2022 certification—one of the highest global standards in information security. Being one of the first in the corporate housing industry to attain this certification, we’ve set a new benchmark in securing sensitive information and providing peace of mind to our clients.
As Mitch Christian, our Infrastructure and Information Security Director, explains, "The 2022 update improves on earlier standards by covering all business processes related to protecting information assets. It's about more than just technology; it’s about how we handle every aspect of security within the business. This gives our clients the confidence that their data is in good hands."
Our commitment doesn’t stop at certification. Every Synergy team member undergoes continuous cybersecurity training, ensuring we stay ahead of emerging threats. In partnership with external experts like Wizard Cyber, we reinforce our proactive stance on data security. This collaboration allows us to focus on preventing breaches before they occur.
The bottom line? When you stay with Synergy, you can rest easy knowing your data is protected with the highest standards. Traveling for business is stressful enough—let us take care of your cybersecurity so you can focus on your work with confidence and peace of mind. Stay safe, stay secure, and travel smart with Synergy by your side.
