For high-profile individuals and high-net-worth clients, international travel often brings both opportunity and risk. While the destinations may vary, the digital vulnerabilities remain alarmingly consistent in countries where cybersecurity infrastructure is weak, scams are prevalent, and governments actively monitor personal and business communications.

Smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and even hotel Wi-Fi connections are entry points for malicious actors. Understanding these risks and adopting the right strategies can mean the difference between a smooth trip and a digital disaster.

Understanding the Threat Landscape

Countries with poor cybersecurity standards and aggressive state surveillance present a complex web of threats. These include:

• Government surveillance: Some governments actively monitor internet traffic and mobile networks, intercepting calls, reading emails, and tracking online activity. This is often done under the guise of national security or public order.
• Data harvesting by state-sponsored actors: High-net-worth individuals may be targeted for sensitive personal, financial, or business data.
• Corporate espionage: Executives and business leaders are particularly attractive targets for competitors who may exploit insecure communications to gather strategic intelligence.
• Cybercrime and scams: Public Wi-Fi networks in airports, hotels, and cafes are notorious for man-in-the-middle attacks and malware injections.
• Device tampering: Physical access to your devices during hotel stays or customs inspections can result in hardware or software tampering.

Pre-Travel Preparations

Security begins before departure. Consider these foundational steps:

1. Travel with Clean Devices

Do not bring your primary work or personal devices. Instead, travel with a “clean” laptop and phone that contain only essential applications and minimal sensitive data. This limits the damage in case of theft, loss, or compromise.

2. Encrypt Everything

Full-disk encryption should be enabled on all devices. Use strong, unique passwords for each device and service. Enable biometric security only if you are not concerned about being compelled to unlock devices by authorities.

3. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Choose a reliable VPN service that is known for its transparency and no-logs policy. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, masking your activities from prying eyes. In some countries, VPN usage is restricted or illegal, so understand local laws beforehand.

4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

All online accounts should have 2FA enabled. Prefer authentication apps or hardware tokens over SMS-based methods, which can be susceptible to interception.

5. Notify Your Security Team

If you employ a private security team or corporate IT department, inform them of your travel itinerary. They can provide region-specific guidance and monitor your accounts for unusual activity.

Communication Strategies While Abroad

1. Use Encrypted Messaging Platforms

Avoid standard SMS and email for sensitive communications. Instead, use end-to-end encrypted messaging services like Signal or WhatsApp for text, voice, and video calls. These platforms ensure that only the sender and recipient can read the messages.

For business communications, consider encrypted collaboration tools compliant with global data privacy laws. Avoid discussing sensitive business strategies over unsecured channels, even if the platform claims to be secure.

2. Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Resist the convenience of airport, hotel, and café Wi-Fi. Use a personal mobile hotspot or international roaming with your carrier. If you must use public Wi-Fi, connect through your VPN before accessing any sensitive information. Many VPNs have a “kill switch” setting and ensure this setting is enabled to prevent data leakage in the event of a VPN outage or connection issue.

3. Monitor Your Digital Footprint

Be cautious about your social media activity while traveling. Avoid geotagging, posting in real-time, or sharing information that reveals your location, schedule, or associations. Adversaries can use this data to plan surveillance or impersonate you in social engineering attacks.

4. Limit App Permissions

Many apps collect excessive data and can be manipulated by malicious networks. Before traveling, review and restrict app permissions. Disable location sharing and background data usage wherever possible.

When in Doubt, Go Offline

Sometimes the best way to stay secure is to disconnect. If you are in a country known for invasive digital practices, consider going offline entirely during key meetings or negotiations. Use physical notepads or encrypted USB drives to exchange information face-to-face, avoiding digital channels altogether. Ensure those items, whether digital or physical, are stored in secure locations.

Post-Travel Precautions

Returning home does not mean the risks are over. Assume that your devices may have been compromised and take the following steps:

• Change all passwords used while traveling.
• Scan devices for malware using trusted cybersecurity software or consult a digital forensics expert.
• Monitor financial and personal accounts for unusual activity over the following weeks.
• Wipe and restore devices to a known clean backup if there is any suspicion of compromise.

In a global economy, international travel is often essential. However, the convenience of digital communication must be balanced with efficient security practices. For high-profile individuals, compromised communications can have far-reaching consequences—from financial loss to reputational damage to geopolitical entanglements.

By preparing carefully, using secure tools, and maintaining a high level of digital hygiene, you can dramatically reduce your exposure to threats. Ultimately, security is not a one-time checklist but a continuous mindset that travels with you wherever you go.