Overview
As a USC employee, your devices and accounts may contain sensitive information and confidential data, and it’s important to protect that information. This guide reviews some practical tips you can take to keep your laptop or other devices safe when you commute or travel.
Reporting lost, stolen, or damaged devices
If your device is lost or stolen, please report it promptly to DPS or local police, as well as to DTS. You can refer to our guide:
If your device is damaged, the DTS Help Desk can perform troubleshooting and repair:
A note about data security
All Dornsife-managed laptops and external storage devices are encrypted to meet USC information security policy requirements, and the data stored on these devices cannot be accessed without a password.
Keeping your device safe while commuting
Protect your device against loss or theft
- Stay alert, especially in crowded environments
- Keep your device on your person at all times, and don't take it out of your bag
- Do not leave your bag or device unattended
Protect your device against physical damage
If your device is a laptop, these additional tips can keep it safe from physical damage during your commute:
- Use a bag or backpack that is designed for laptops and has plenty of padding
- Store your laptop in its own compartment, and do not overstuff the bag, as that can put pressure on the laptop
- Avoid extreme heat: do not leave your laptop in direct sunlight
Keeping your device safe while traveling
If you are traveling out of town, the guidelines above for protecting your device while commuting all still apply. In addition, keeping your device on your person at all times means the following:
- Do not store your device in overhead bins or in checked luggage
- Do not leave your device in your rental car or at your hotel
International travel
If you are traveling out of the country, review the advice from the Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (OCISO):
DTS can help configure your device to meet USC’s guidelines for international travel: email ts@dornsife.usc.edu. Additionally, if you are traveling to a location which the US has identified as a "country of concern" and do not want to bring your main work device, we can issue you a loaner device for travel use.
Be proactive: back up your device
One of the best ways to ensure minimal disruption if your device becomes unavailable due to loss, theft, or damage? Back up your device to cloud storage. The initial setup typically takes fewer than 10 minutes, and from that point on, an up-to-date copy of your files is automatically saved and accessible online even if something happens to your device:
References
The following resources were consulted for this guide: