Taking Your USPS-Issued Electronic Devices Abroad

The Corporate Information Security Office wants to remind all USPS® employees that international travel with USPS-issued electronic devices, such as laptops, iPads, mobile devices, and other technology, is not permitted unless traveling on official USPS business.

USPS employees are potential targets for cyber criminals trying to gain access to the network or obtain sensitive information about the Postal Service™. Taking the required precautions is your responsibility and helps protect Postal Service information resources during international travel.

If your job requires international business travel for the Postal Service, the following actions are required:

n Request authorization for international business travel with USPS-issued electronic devices at least 21 days before your departure.

n Apply for an international virtual private network (VPN), and exclusively use the VPN to connect to the Internet, even when on your Personal Hotspot.

n Never install unauthorized software on USPS-issued electronic devices, such as “WeChat” or other social media applications.

n Always use the Personal Hotspot on your USPS-issued mobile device rather than connecting to unknown Wi-Fi networks.

n Never leave electronic devices unsecured or unattended anywhere, even in private places, such as hotel rooms.

n Never place electronic devices in checked baggage — always keep them with you in your carry-on during travel.

n Immediately report any loss, theft, or unauthorized access while abroad:

n Send an email to the Cybersecurity Operations Center at Cybersafe@usps.gov, or

n Call the United States Postal Inspection Service® at 877-876-2455.

For more information about cybersecurity best practices, visit the CyberSafe at USPS® websites on Blue (blue.usps.gov/cyber) and LiteBlue (liteblue.usps.gov/cyber), or the external website at uspscybersafe.com.