Protection from cyber attacks during business trips: a daily ticket

In today's digital world, laptops, smartphones and tablets have become standard when it comes to working efficiently on the go. But this also carries significant risks, because insufficiently protected systems provide cybercriminals with many opportunities to obtain sensitive data and information and sabotage devices. Companies are particularly vulnerable in this regard, especially during business trips.

Decision makers are aware of this risk: about two-thirds rate the risk of cyber attacks during a business trip as high. To protect against this, many companies sometimes impose strict rules and requirements when employees go on business trips. More than half of the companies surveyed provide laptops and mobile phones with higher security standards or provide access via a so-called VPN connection that is invisible to passers-by. These are the results of the “Cybersecurity 2023 Brief Survey”, an initiative launched by travel management companies German Travel Association (DRV).

More than every second company surveyed (53 percent) requires the use of two-factor authentication. Followed by bans on the use of public networks and free-access WiFi (50 percent), as well as strict password creation requirements (49 percent). About a third of business travelers surveyed are only allowed to connect via a VPN connection when they travel for business. Nearly 31 percent say they have to take special devices with them with increased security standards in some countries. Respondents cited deactivating Bluetooth technology (31 percent) and protective screen filters (26 percent) as additional rules of conduct to protect against cyber risks on business trips. Only five percent of those surveyed said they were not subject to any code of conduct.

Companies provide laptops etc. to protect against cyber attacks

58 percent of companies offer laptops and mobile phones with higher security standards or provide access via a VPN connection (51 percent). For 44 percent, equipment used on business trips also includes lockable transport bags for laptops, covers for cameras and microphones (43 percent), and laptops with smaller viewing angles and privacy films (31 percent each). Only seven companies out of a hundred do not provide materials to protect against cyber attacks on business trips.

Companies with more than 500 employees (70 percent) in particular provide business travelers with company laptops and cell phones with the appropriate security features. In small businesses, only one in two (48%) do this.

Business travelers pay attention to this

More than half of survey respondents always protect their screens from prying eyes in public places (59 percent), set consistently more complex passwords (55 percent), or always avoid public networks (52 percent). Many (41%) also avoid working in public places during their business trips. 39% of participants changed their passwords before and/or after business trips.

“These results confirm the growing importance of cybersecurity in business travel and the awareness of travelers themselves to effectively protect themselves from risks,” says Alexander Albert, Managing Director of BCD Travel Germany GmbH. “We recognize the growing importance of cybersecurity and remain committed to providing our customers with comprehensive information and support.”