10 tips for Business traveller safety

We’ve compiled a list of travel safety tips to help make business travel as smooth as possible. While this isn’t a complete list, these tips are a great starting point to help you plan a safe and productive business trip.  

Cyber security tips for corporate travellers

Business travellers carry valuable and sensitive business and personal information with them on their devices. This makes them vulnerable to theft and cyber-attacks so we’re sharing some useful tips to protect your data and theirs.

1.  Lock devices down

Check security settings and set up an extra layer of protection with a fingerprint ID or PIN code.

Change the codes regularly when travelling abroad.

2.  Avoid public Wi-Fi

It’s always tempting for travellers to connect to free Wi-Fi but practice extreme caution on public Wi-Fi networks and avoid unencrypted networks at all costs. Advise travellers to ask the hotels about their security protocol before connecting to the Web. They should be advised to avoid logging into online banking whilst on public networks.

3.  Disable auto-connect

Most smart phones and laptops allow us to auto connect to Wi-Fi but it’s advisable to change this setting to protect your data whilst travelling.

4.  Limit location sharing

Whilst GPS tracking of corporate travellers has advantages for international travel, sharing your location on social networks whilst away from home presents a safety threat. It lets predatory thieves know that you’re not there and opens the door to opportunistic criminals in your neighbourhood.

Live tracking should only be shared with friends, family and the office.

5.  Disable Bluetooth

For travellers using Bluetooth in rental cars, disconnecting from the vehicle should become a trigger to disable Bluetooth entirely to prevent people from hacking your device.

Safeguard your personal items

As regards general safety tips, corporate travellers should take precautions to safeguard their personal items.

1.  Beware of using hotel safes

Hotel safes are not fool proof because all hotels have a method for staff to get into the safes in the event that a guest forgets the code or loses the keys. Secondary safe locks are available and should be considered for corporate travellers who carry confidential and sensitive information with them. Our advice is to use the hotel safe when possible, but also invest in travel equipment that has a protective element when you’re out in the city. For example, a tamper-proof day bag that is kept close to you can help keep your valuables safe when out of the hotel.

2.  Be aware of your surroundings

Keep an eye on your belongings and use good judgement when engaging with strangers. A large part of the job is meeting new people and nurturing relationships but if you feel that someone is behaving suspiciously, excuse yourself politely and move on.

3.  Remember to add travel insurance

Travel insurance should allow for ID theft, accommodation, luggage protection and medical cover. Some of this is covered by your credit card but your Travel Management Company will guide you as to your best options.

4.  Practice smart data protection

Save copies of travel and corporate documents on Google Drive for an extra layer of protection.

Keep printed copies of your passport, ID and Driver’s Licence on your person so that you are not left stranded if your wallet or handbag is stolen.

5.  Request a room near the elevator

In general, rooms on higher floors are less prone to theft. We recommend that female travellers request a room near the elevators so that they don’t have to walk the halls alone at night.

The safety and security of business travellers is part of your Duty of Care and should always be prioritised. As new threats emerge across the globe, they should be addressed to ensure safe and successful travels. We advise that Travel Policies be reviewed annually to incorporate travel safety in the mix.