Research & Data Security

Technology needs and risks can vary by international destination. Personal information and sensitive university data can be at risk during overseas travel. U-M Information and Technology Services offers the following resources for traveling with technology:

• Mobile device security
• Safe Computing Guidelines for Domestic and International Travelers
• Traveling with Duo
• Protect Sensitive Data

Additional Technology Resources and Policies

• Export Controls and International Travel
• Security of Personally Owned Devices That Access or Maintain Sensitive Institutional Data (SPG 601.33)
• Institutional Data Resource Management Policy (SPG 601.12)
• Information Security Policy (SPG 601.27)
• Information Security Incident Reporting (SPG 601.25)
• Report an IT Security Incident

Faculty and staff conducting research that is perceived as culturally or politically sensitive by the host government or community may be at risk for harassment, arbitrary arrest, or targeted detention.  To identify and mitigate these risks, faculty and staff should follow the U-M Framework for Conducting Sensitive Research or Critical Technology Research while Traveling Internationally.

Additional resources include:

• U-M Protocols: What to do if arrested while abroad
• OSAC’s Risk Mitigation Practices for Journalists
• The “Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency” section of your country’s OSAC Country Security Report
•  Within the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section of your travel destination’s Country Information page

The Global Engagement Team in partnership with the Department of Anthropology developed the Safety Considerations for Independent Study & Field Research Abroad to support faculty, staff, and students on independent study or field research abroad. The goals of the resource include:

• To direct travelers to existing travel safety and travel health resources and benefit all U-M independent travelers / field researchers
• To organize international research and fieldwork safety considerations by travel phases of Early Logistical Planning (4-12 months pre-departure), Pre-Departure Preparations (final 4 months before departure), and While Abroad.
• To provide suggested protocols for various emergency situations abroad

All independent travelers and field researchers are encouraged to download the resource and review when preparing travel.