Traveling abroad can challenge your digital routines: your phone doesn’t get reception, support is harder because you’re in another timezone, etc. Here’s what we recommend:

Essential

• Set up an authenticator app and print out backup codes for Google 2-Step verification. 
• Set up an authenticator app for Microsoft MFA.
• Set up “sync time and timezone automatically” on your device.
• Password protect your device.
• Update your device’s operating system and software.

Optional

• Reset your password if you think it will expire while you’re gone. Norse Key passwords expire every 180 days.
• Get a universal outlet adapter.
• Backup everything important—your device is more likely to be lost, destroyed, or confiscated during travel.
• Be prepared for the possibility of a border search
• Faculty/Staff: If you’re bringing your Luther-owned workstation, request access to the Luther VPN before you leave.
• Encrypt your personal device. Luther workstations are already encrypted.

Getting Technology Help Desk support while abroad

Support can be hard when you’re abroad. Because of timezone differences and the cost of international phone calls, we recommend starting with an email to [email protected] or our creating a ticket at help.luther.edu. If we need to talk to you (e.g. for password resets and other access issues), we’ll probably set up a video call through Zoom or Google Meet.