International travel plays a vital role in advancing research and enabling groundbreaking collaborations. As research opportunities expand, so too does the risk of unauthorized access to research, networks and devices.

Recent attempts by foreign governments and businesses to illegally or covertly obtain innovative research make it essential for even the most seasoned travelers to take proactive measures in protecting their intellectual property and guard against digital breaches while traveling.

As the University of Toronto (U of T) strengthens its international partnerships, it must be accompanied by strong awareness and practical steps to protect the elements that make its research world-class. Beyond your typical travel guide, this handbook serves as a reference for U of T researchers to travel securely, confidently and responsibly.

Your safety and wellbeing always come first. Being aware of how your work, data and online presence may attract attention abroad is key to protecting yourself.

To mitigate personal safety risks while traveling, it is important to be aware of your environment, limit the information shared and remain vigilant.

Your discoveries and ideas are powerful, and they can attract attention from governments or organizations looking for shortcuts to innovation. Good habits can help protect your research and make sure your work stays in the right hands.

When you’re traveling, you may be subject to different rules and laws. In some places, local authorities can request access to your devices and information. Planning ahead keeps you in control.

• Gather the facts. Look into partners, hosts and conferences ahead of time.
• Build smart agreements. Create clear expectations to your research contracts, presentations and engagements to safeguard your research and your team.
• Know if your research is sensitive. Topics connected to military, security, dual-use or cutting-edge technology are especially valuable to others. Be prepared to handle them with extra care.
• Share only what’s published/publicly available. Keep details about unpublished research or ideas within your trusted teams.

• Consult with U of T’s Export Control and Controlled Goods Program. Some data or software may fall under Canadian export regulations. Confirm if you need to remove anything before you leave.
• Know your limits abroad. Lectures or presentations can also count as exports.
• Review Canada’s Export Control List before you go.
• Respect sanctions. Be aware of any country-specific restrictions that apply to you as a Canadian researcher.
• Keep your research with you. Bring only what’s essential and always ask if you really need to bring sensitive research on your trip. Some countries may inspect or copy your devices at the border, conferences or hotels.

Your professional network, colleagues, students, partners and institution rely on you to handle information carefully. Good habits while traveling help keep your connections strong and protected.

Researchers play a key role in safeguarding their research but also their broader network of students, colleagues, partners and institutions.

• Share thoughtfully. Stay mindful about what you share abroad, whether in formal presentations or casual chats. Focus on what’s necessary and avoid details about internal operations or strategic plans.
• Protect your connections. Remember, you’re not just protecting your own research, you’re also safeguarding your students, partners and collaborators who trust you with their information.
• Understand the value. Canada’s leadership in advanced research makes U of T an attractive partner. Staying aware helps maintain our competitive edge.
• Report concerns quickly. If you notice someone trying to gain access to your login details or research information in ways that feel suspicious, reach out to the Information Security team.
• Use the support available. Keep up with U of T’s information security guidance on safeguarding your data while traveling.
• Encourage your students and colleagues to take similar precautions when traveling.

Your devices are your lifeline for staying connected. With some thoughtful steps, you can use them confidently without putting sensitive information at risk.

Physical and remote access to your devices can be used to gain unauthorized access to your research, network and personal information. This makes it crucial for academics to secure their devices when traveling or sharing data abroad.

• Keep devices close. Carry your devices and chargers with you, and keep them powered down at border crossings to help protect your data.
• Print boarding passes to avoid turning your device on at customs or other inspection points.
• Be prepared. Some countries may request that you unlock your device or share passwords. Knowing this in advance helps you plan. If asked, try to keep your device in sight.
• Some countries mandate registration for border control, visas, financial services or government functions. If registration is needed, use the web version rather than downloading an application on your device for these tasks to limit access to your device.

• Avoid connecting to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi networks while traveling, even on secured networks. Wi-Fi services should only be used to hotspot your laptop from your cellphone data plan.
• Keep devices separate. Don’t link personal devices to U of T provided ones. This protects both from unintended risks.
• Store passwords securely. Use a reputable password manager (your IT team can recommend options) and avoid reusing old passwords or remember me features.
• Plug in safely. Use only your own chargers and USB sticks, avoid unknown devices and use an AC adaptor over USB connections for charging.
• Be cautious with unfamiliar technology and content. Limit cloud access on public devices, avoid logging into unfamiliar equipment and stay alert when encountering unexpected emails, unknown links or unverified QR codes.
• Only download applications from trusted, official sources.

Your well-being and security are important, and there are resources in place to help you navigate challenges you may encounter while traveling. Take advantage of these additional resources to ensure you have the support you need:

• U of T Research Security: Safeguarding Research
• U of T Information Security
• U of T Report a Data Incident
• U of T Safety Abroad
• U of T International SOS
• U of T Export Control & Controlled Goods

• Government of Canada – Safeguarding Your Research Portal
• Government of Canada Travel Advisories
• Government of Canada – Guide to Export Controls
• Government of Canada – Current Sanctions Imposed by Canada
• The Wassenaar Arrangement Participating Countries

For additional information on this booklet or assistance in conducting due diligence checks for faculty traveling to high-risk environments, please contact the Research Security team at researchsecurity@utoronto.ca.