You are finally taking a few days away from campus. Halfway into the drive, your child asks, “Can I use your laptop to watch a movie?” It is your work laptop, the one with access to student records, financial information, and testing systems. It is tempting to say yes, but holiday travel introduces risks that school leaders do not face during a typical week on campus.
Here is how to keep school data safe while still enjoying your time away.
Before You Travel
Complete the following steps before leaving:
- Install all device updates.
- Back up needed files to a secure cloud system.
- Enable automatic screen locking with a short timeout.
- Turn on device tracking such as Find My Device.
- Pack your own charging cables.
Have a quick conversation with your family about which devices are safe to use. If a child must use your laptop, create a restricted user account and do not allow downloads. A separate family device is always safer.
Hotel WiFi
Hotel WiFi is shared by many guests. Some may be using it for the wrong reasons.
Follow these guidelines:
- Ask the front desk for the exact network name.
- Use a VPN for any school related activity.
- Use your mobile hotspot for work involving student or staff data.
- Keep entertainment on the hotel WiFi and work tasks on your hotspot.
Laptop Sharing
A school leader’s laptop may access the SIS platform, HR systems, testing portals, financial data, and confidential communication. Children do not intend to cause problems, but accidental clicks and downloads happen easily.
If sharing cannot be avoided, do the following:
- Use a guest account.
- Block downloads.
- Supervise use.
- Clear browsing activity afterward.
Smart TVs in Hotels
Avoid logging into accounts on hotel televisions. If it is necessary, set a reminder to log out before checking out. Do not access email, school platforms, or any account with payment information through the hotel TV.
If a Device Is Lost
Take action within the first hour:
- Use the tracking tool to locate the device.
- Lock the device remotely.
- Change key passwords.
- Notify your IT provider immediately so access can be revoked.
Before traveling, confirm your devices have encryption, strong passwords, and remote wipe capabilities.
Reducing Risk While Traveling
It is difficult for school leaders to fully unplug, and switching between personal time and work can make you less alert to security risks. Set simple boundaries. Check work email only at scheduled times, conduct work only through your hotspot, and avoid working in public spaces where screens are visible.
You do not need perfection, only intentional habits. With a few preparations and clear separation between personal and work activity, you can protect student and staff data while still enjoying a well-earned break.
If you would like help creating travel-safe device guidelines for your staff, our team can assist you.
Schedule your free security consultation
Because the best holiday memory shouldn’t be “Remember when Dad’s laptop got hacked?”
