Stress is a risk to health and security. It affects different people, and people from different cultures, in widely varying ways.

Why does this matter?

Addressing the stress and trauma that many workers face is an important part of the security approach within an organization. It is not unusual for individuals who have been exposed to a security situation to experience many of the symptoms associated with trauma.

The physical and emotional aftermath can be very intense. The security of several individuals may depend on one person’s reactions and attitude. People who do not deal with inevitable stress and who are not prepared to talk about their feelings and reactions can affect their own and others’ security.

What is stress?

Stress can be defined as any demand or change that the human system (mind, body and spirit) is required to meet or respond to. There are normal stressors such as those consistent with life: breathing, blood circulation, walking, eating, talking and even playing.

These functions are common to us all and are part of everyday life. Without these stressors and other physical demands on our human system, we would not continue to live. It is only when normal stress changes into ‘distress’ that action should be taken.

This article will address the common causes of stress and suggest preventative measures to avoid stress. Next month, we will address how to identify signs of stress and how treat it. The points below are suggestions only and should be selected and adapted according to the situation and culture.

Causes of stress

The causes of stress may include many things, such as:

• Personal loss
• Overwork, or high-pressure work environment
• Conflicting job demands
• Multiple supervisors
• Lack of clarity about responsibilities or expectations
• Job insecurity
• Trauma
• Mission failure
• Feeling overwhelmed by the scale of need
• Human error
• Misunderstanding
• Illness
• Inter-personal difficulties
• Antagonism from authorities or local people

Prevention of stress

Taking a few simple precautions can often prevent stress:

• Realistic work plans and working hours
• Clear briefing
• Efficient, caring management
• Listening regularly to staff, particularly when they are under pressure
• Keeping staff fully informed
• Encouraging staff and praising them for good work
• Rapid resolution of any grievances or complaints
• Sufficient rest, including a weekly day off in all but the most acute emergencies, and enforced Rest and Recreation in periods of high pressure
• Enabling staff to see their families and/or phone home
• Efficient mail service, and private access to personal e-mail, where possible
• Privacy in living accommodation
• Little luxuries, such as books, magazines, videos, good quality soap
• Eating properly, with a variety of menus
• Building team spirit
• Friendships
• Exercise
• Recognition, praise and reward for good work
• Adequate pay
• Secure home environment

Check back next month, as we will address how to identify signs of stress and how treat it.

Passwords are often the only barrier between a user and your personal information.

Many systems and services have been successfully broken into due to the use of insecure and inadequate passwords. Along with viruses and worms, hackers can exploit systems by guessing weak passwords; they even use several programs to help guess or “crack” passwords.

By choosing strong passwords and keeping them confidential, you make it more difficult for an unauthorized person to access your information.

How do you choose a good password?

Don’t assume that once you’ve developed a strong password you should use it for every system or program you log into. If an attacker does guess it, he would have access to all of your accounts. You should use these techniques to develop unique passwords for each of your accounts.

Here are tactics to use when choosing a password:

• Do not use passwords based on personal information – these can be easily accessed or guessed (address, social security number, birth or anniversary date, etc.)
• Do not use common names of people, geographical places, or pets. (First passwords tried by password cracking software.)
• Do not use words found in any dictionary of any language; to include common words with one or two digits tacked on the end.  (Second passwords tried by password cracking software.)
• Develop a mnemonic for remembering complex passwords.  For example, instead of the password “hoops,” use “IlTpbb” for “[I] [l]ike [T]o [p]lay [b]asket[b]all.”
• Use both lowercase and capital letters
• Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Place numbers and characters in random positions between letters, not just at the beginning or end.
• Use at least eight characters, including two or more numbers and special characters. (Password crackers will attempt common substitutions of numbers and characters for letters (e.g., h4ckm3 for hackme, r@ts for rats, p001 for pool, etc.).
• Use different passwords on different systems, programs and devices.
• Change all default system, program and device passwords immediately.
• Change passwords when you suspect that someone may have learned your password, OR at least once every three to six months.

How can you protect your password?

• Do not write down your password(s) and leave it where others will have access to it.
• Do not tell anyone your password(s); watch for attackers trying to trick you through phone calls or email messages requesting that you reveal your password(s).
• If your Internet service provider (ISP) offers choices of authentication systems, look for ones that use Kerberos, challenge/response, or public key encryption rather than simple password(s). Consider challenging service providers who only use passwords to adopt more secure methods.
• Do not choose options that allow your device to remember your passwords.
• Software programs, such as Apple’s Keychain and Palm’s Secure Desktop, use strong encryption to protect password information. These types of programs may be viable options for managing your passwords if you find you have too many to remember.

Last month’s security article primarily focused on protecting your electronic devices physically. This month, we will address how to protect the information that is stored on your electronic devices.

Why do you need another layer of protection?

It may be easy for you to identify people who could, legitimately or not, gain physical access to your computer or electronic device —family members, roommates, co-workers, members of a cleaning crew, and maybe others.  Identifying the people who could gain remote access to your computer becomes much more difficult.  As long as your device has the ability to connect to a network, you are vulnerable to someone or something else accessing or corrupting your data.

While traveling, even though there are ways to physically protect your laptop, PDA, or other portable device, there is no guarantee that it won’t be stolen. After all, as the name suggests, portable devices are designed to be transported easily.  At the very least, the theft itself is frustrating, inconvenient, and unnerving, but the exposure of data on the device could have serious consequences.

What can you do?

• Use passwords and encrypt sensitive files – Passwords and other security features add layers of protection if used appropriately. By encrypting files, you ensure that unauthorized people can’t view data even if they can physically access it (more information on choosing and protecting passwords and encrypting information to come next month).
• Consider creating separate user accounts – If there are other people using your computer, someone else may accidentally access, modify, and/or delete your files. Most operating systems give you the option of creating a different user account for each user, and you can set the amount of access and privileges for each account.
• Take advantage of security settings – Check the security settings of your email client and your web browser. Apply the highest level of security available that still gives you the functionality you need.  In email clients, turn off the option to automatically download attachments.
• Read e-mail messages in plain text – This is a setting you can choose in your email client to receive emails in plain text.
• Use caution with email attachments – Do not open email attachments that you were not expecting, especially if they are from people you do not know. If you decide to open an email attachment, scan it for viruses first. Not only is it possible for attackers to “spoof” the source of an email message, your legitimate contacts may unknowingly send you an infected file.
• Be wary of downloadable files and software – Avoid downloading files from sites, email and text messages that you do not trust. If you are getting the files from a supposedly secure site, look for a web site certificate. If you do download a file from a web site, consider saving it to your desktop and manually scanning it for viruses before opening it.
• Do not follow links sent in email or text messages – Be suspicious of URLs sent in unsolicited email or text messages. While the links may appear to be legitimate, they may actually direct you to a malicious web site.
• Use and maintain anti-virus software – Anti-virus software recognizes and protects your electronic device against most known viruses, so you may be able to detect and remove the virus before it can do any damage. It is important to keep your virus definitions up to date.
• Install and maintain a firewall – Firewalls are especially important if you are traveling and utilizing different networks; they can help prevent outsiders from gaining unwanted access.
• Regularly scan your electronic device for spyware – Spyware or adware hidden in software programs may affect the performance of your device and give attackers access to your data. Use a legitimate anti-spyware program to scan your computer and remove any of these files.
• Keep software up to date – Install software patches so that attackers cannot take advantage of known problems or vulnerabilities. Many operating systems offer automatic updates. If this option is available, turn it on.
• Avoid unused software programs – Do not clutter your electronic device with unnecessary software programs. If you have programs you do not use, consider uninstalling them.
• Back up your data – Make sure to back up any data you have on your electronic device onto an external hard drive or other device, like CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or network. Not only will this ensure that you will still have access to the information if your device is stolen, but it could help you identify exactly which information a thief may be able to access. You may be able to take measures to reduce the amount of damage that exposure could cause.
• Consider storing important data separately – There are many forms of storage media, including removable flash drives(also know as USB) and external hard drives. By saving your data on removable media and keeping it in a different location (e.g., in your suitcase instead of your laptop bag), you can protect your data even if your device is stolen. You should make sure to secure the location where you keep your data to prevent easy access.
• Dispose of sensitive information properly – Simply deleting a file does not completely erase it. To ensure that an attacker cannot access these files, make sure that you adequately erase sensitive files.
• Be careful about posting your cell phone number and email address – Attackers often use software that browses web sites for email addresses. These addresses then become targets for attacks and spam. Cell phone numbers can be collected automatically, too.  By limiting the number of people who have access to your information, you limit your risk of becoming a victim.
• Unauthorized Access.  Unauthorized access occurs when someone accidentally or deliberately reads, modifies, or deletes computer files without your specific permission.  While using your electronic device, protect the information from casual, “over-the-shoulder” viewing by others.  Position yourself so that it is impossible for others to observe the screen; however, this may be very difficult if not impossible in one’s plane seat.  One possible strategy is to work on more mundane, non-sensitive work on the plane, and make the presumption that the screen will indeed be observed.
• Disposing of electronic device.  When disposing an electronic device that will no longer be used: clear configuration settings to prevent the disclosure of sensitive network information.  Also, remove all personal and work-related data files off any hard drive or storage mechanism.

Cyber security extends beyond traditional desktop and laptop computers; it also includes:

• Mobile phones
• Personal digital assistant (PDAs)
• Car navigation systems, etc.

Safeguard your portable devices to protect both the machine and the information it contains.

• All electronic equipment using some kind of computerized component is vulnerable.
• Risk increases if device is connected to the Internet or a network where an attacker can gain access.
• Wireless connections are also vulnerable to attackers gaining access to your device; they can send information to or extract information from your device.

Only you can determine what is actually at risk.  Ask yourself, “What information on my device do I not want anyone to have access to?”

If a thief steals your electronic device, all of the information stored is at risk, as well as any additional information that could be accessed as a result of the data stored on the device itself.  Even if there isn’t any sensitive corporate information on your laptop or PDA, think of the other information: information about appointments, passwords, email addresses and other contact information, personal information for online accounts, etc.

Physical Device Security – Protect the Machine

In a home or official office setting, you may be able to control who has physical access to your electronic devices.  However, traveling with a portable electronic device has a greater risk of being stolen, which means additional steps must be taken to protect the information on these devices.

• Remember physical security – Having physical access to a device makes it easier for an attacker to extract or corrupt information. Do not leave your device unattended in public or easily accessible areas.
• Keep your portable electronic device with you at all times – When traveling, laptops, PDAs or cell phones should never be checked with other luggage or stored in a temporary airport or train station storage locker, but should be part of your carry-on baggage that will stay with you at all times.
• Hand-carry portable electronic devices securely.  Don’t put mobile phones or PDAs in the external pockets of your bag or purse; keep it inside. If you keep your mobile or PDA on a belt, use a case. It is more difficult to remove the case from your belt unnoticeably.
• Never give your electronic device to someone you do not know.  Do not allow an unfamiliar person access to your device even if it is just to carry it to your hotel room or place a call on your cell phone.
• Downplay your electronic device. Avoid using your portable device in public areas, and consider non-traditional bags for carrying your laptop.
• Consider an alarm or lock – If you travel often or will be in a heavily populated area, you may want to consider investing in an alarm for your laptop bag or a lock to secure your laptop to a piece of furniture.
• Identify and label electronic devices.  Place a decal or mark device (such as engraving) that will be difficult to remove.  Record all serial numbers and other identifying information and keep a hard copy of the information in two different locations.
• Secure wireless networks.  Place wireless base stations away from outside walls in order to minimize transmission of data outside of building.

Data Security – Protect the Information

• Password-protect your device.  Follow proper password management for all electronic devices.  Make sure that you have to enter a password to power-up and log in to your computer or electronic device.  Enable timeout mechanisms that automatically prompt for a password after a period of inactivity.  Do not choose options that allow your device to remember your passwords.
• Turn off all communication ports during periods of inactivity
• Disconnect your computer from the Internet when you are not using it. Your device is at a much higher risk for being targeted by attackers and viruses if always connected to the Internet.
• Disable remote connectivity – Some PDAs and phones are equipped with wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, that can be used to connect to other devices or computers. Disable this function when not in use.
• Evaluate your devices’ security settings. Most software, including browsers and email programs, offers a variety of features that you can tailor to meet your needs and requirements. Increase web browser security settings to High and limit or disable plugins.
• Physical access to computing facility.  Depending on the country you’re working in, it is not always possible to dictate what employees can do or where they can go.  For example, in certain countries it is not permitted to log the fact that a specific person accessed a specific data set at a certain time on a certain date, because such a log could be misused to inappropriately monitor his/her work habits, speed, productivity, etc.  Likewise, in some countries, there are resident fire marshals in the facility who do not work for the enterprise, but are authorized access to each and every part of the physical facility.  Factors such as these must be understood and carefully planned for.

Computer Theft

It is obvious to a knowledgeable observer by the distinctive shape of the carrying case and the special care taken by the owner, when a person is carrying a computer.  The laptop is a clear target for its intrinsic value, and a ready market for stolen equipment and the computer’s compact size make the theft a very lucrative, low risk venture for the criminal.  The loss or theft of a laptop poses a significantly greater risk of valuable information loss than ever experienced in the past, because of how much information can be stored on it.

What can you do if your electronic device is lost or stolen?

Report the loss or theft to the appropriate authorities.  These parties may include representatives from law enforcement agencies, as well as hotel or conference staff.  If your device contained sensitive corporate or customer account information, immediately report the loss or theft to your organization so that they can act quickly.  For cell phones, call your service provider and suspend your account immediately.

As the end of 2011 approaches, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued partnership and business with Angel Alert Network (AAN). It is associates and clients like you who make our job a pleasure and success.

In 2011, we provided AAN training services to many new clients. How exciting and fulfilling it was for us to share valuable safety and security information to those out in the field who are helping those in need.

May your New Year be filled with much joy, happiness and success. We look forward to working with you in the coming year and hope our business relationship continues for many years to come.

Anyone involved in international communications should be aware of the threats and vulnerabilities that exist through methods of communication like telephones, computers, and fax machines. This article is the first in a series that discusses security measures your organization can take to secure your electronic transmissions.

Threats

• Electronic transmissions can be monitored by the host government, intelligence agencies of third party nations, terrorists, and criminals.  The host government usually owns and operates the phone systems, and while monitoring is more difficult for others besides the host country, the equipment required for such surveillance can be easily obtained by almost anyone.
• Business and technical data obtained from U.S. corporations may be, and often is, provided to foreign competitors and potential customers.
• Personal information obtained may be used to kidnap executives for financial gain or political purposes.
• Electronic equipment, such as facsimile machines, telephones, and desktop computers, may be altered to make electronic monitoring easier.  These alterations may be made either to the transmitting/receiving device itself or to the lines leading to and from the devices.

Vulnerabilities

• Telecommunications monitoring may be done at a phone company’s switching facilities; phone lines may be tapped or bugged; or microwave transmissions may be intercepted anywhere between the two microwave transmitters. In any event, telecommunications monitoring may be virtually undetectable.
• Telephones do not necessarily cease transmitting once they are hung-up.  Conversations taking place near a phone may be transmitted to the foreign state’s phone system switching facility and can be monitored anywhere between the phone and that facility.
• Most international U.S. corporate telecommunications are not encrypted.  Some countries do not allow encryption of telecommunications traffic within their borders, but it should be considered where feasible for any transmission of competitive information.
• Many telecommunications transmissions will contain “key words”, used to identify information of interest to a third party.  A key word can be the name of a technology, product, project, or anything else, which may identify the subject of the transmission.
• Encryption should be the first line of defense, however encryption will provide little if any security if a careful examination for audio “bugs” elsewhere in the room is not conducted.

 Suggested Counter-Measures

• For telephones: A small, company controlled switch installed within the facility can help ensure that conversations are not transmitted through handsets which are “hung-up”, and can also serve to decrease the threat of covert line access.
• Avoid “key words” or phrases that may be used by intelligence agencies and others to search recorded conversations for subjects of interest.  Examples would be project names, product names, the names of persons of interest (e.g. heads of state, CEO’s, etc.) and classification labels such as “sensitive” and “company confidential”.
• Positively identify all parties participating in phone conversations or receiving the facsimile transmissions.
• Whenever possible, utilize your corporate transmission facilities instead of those of the host government.
• Corporate offices should be located in facilities totally controlled by the corporation.
• Always keep at least one phone and facsimile machine secured in a container equipped with a combination lock, and restrict access to the combination. This will help maintain the integrity of that equipment.
• Check connecting lines to telecommunication devices (telephones, computers, fax machines, etc.) monthly to ensure that the line has not been replaced or modified by unauthorized personnel.
• Place stickers on phones warning of hostile monitoring to maintain awareness.

Last month, we covered overall awareness and image tips. But the topic of awareness doesn’t stop there! There are several things you can do to become more aware of your environment, thereby reducing your risk to threats, danger, and crime.  

Awareness becomes even more vital when you are traveling outside your home or normal environment.  Below you’ll find Street Smart tips on increasing your awareness while commuting.

Remember:  Be Alert, Be Aware, Have a Plan!

WALKING

• If unfamiliar with the area, seek reliable advice on areas considered safe for walking. Consult a local street map before leaving and bring it along.
• If possible, walk with companions. Avoid walking at night or in the dark. Use well-traveled and lighted routes.
• Walk with confidence and assurance but remember to anticipate problem situations that may arise unexpectedly.
• Avoid groups of people loitering, demonstrations, disputes or commotion in the streets. Avoid walking too close to bushes, dark doorways, and other places of concealment.
• Pickpockets often work in pairs using distraction as their basic ploy. Be aware of jostling in crowded areas. Divide money and credit cards between two or three pockets or bags.
• When carrying a backpack or purse, keep it close to the body. Do not carry valuables in these bags; instead, leave them in a secure place. It is better to carry only a small amount of money and a cheap watch to hand over if threatened.

VEHICLE SAFETY AND SECURITY

• Vehicles should be well maintained and checked daily. Make a maintenance checklist and keep a copy of the checklist and maintenance schedule with each vehicle.
• Have travel documentation in order, including vehicle registration, inspections, and passes as required. All drivers should have an international driver’s license or a valid license for the host country.
• Park in well-lit, heavily populated areas. Close all windows and lock doors before leaving the vehicle.
• Have keys ready in hand when returning to vehicle. Check the back seat before entering. Immediately lock doors upon entry. Open windows no more than 5 cm and only those windows near occupied seats.
• Wear seat belts at all times, in the front and rear of the vehicle.
• Know where the vehicle safety and communication equipment is and how to use it. Know how to perform basic vehicle maintenance (changing a flat tire, checking and adding fluids, etc.)
• Do not speed or drive too fast for conditions. Observe local driving laws and regulations.
• Take extra precautions when driving through rural villages or on undeveloped roads with pedestrians on the roadway. In remote areas or where threats may be present along the route, select primary and alternate routes. Avoid developing patterns.
• Avoid night driving or driving alone. Avoid letting the fuel tank fall below half full.
• Keep a spare vehicle key in the office. Keep vehicle and residence keys on separate key chains to reduce additional losses during a carjacking.
• Never voluntarily carry unauthorized passengers, especially soldiers. However, if threatened, provide the transportation. In the event of an attempted carjacking, do not risk your life to save a vehicle.
• Avoid areas with criminal activity or known threats. If possible, avoid “choke points” such as narrow alleys.
• Notify others of travel times, destination, and steps they should take if you are late. When possible, consult with other agencies and organizations to monitor route conditions and change routes as necessary.
• If approaching a suspicious area, stop well before the area and observe other traffic passing through it. This is especially useful for “unofficial” or unexpected checkpoints or police roadblocks.
• Avoid transporting sensitive documents or equipment in areas prone to banditry. Arrange proper permits for transporting items that could be interpreted as useful to combatants or terrorists.
• Keep an up-to-date, well-stocked first-aid kit in each vehicle. In areas of extreme weather conditions, prepare accordingly. For instance, in very hot areas, keep extra water; in extremely cold areas, keep blankets and food in the vehicle. Be prepared to survive if stranded.

CHECKPOINTS

• Avoid checkpoints whenever possible.
• When approaching a checkpoint or threat area, decrease speed and open windows slightly. If possible, allow others to pass through the area and observe from a safe distance.
• At night, switch to low beams and put on the interior light.
• Be ready to stop quickly, but stop only if requested.
• Keep hands visible at all times. Do not make sudden movements or attempts to hide or move items within the vehicle. High theft items, such as radios, cameras, and computers, should always be stored in nondescript containers or kept out of sight.
• Show ID if requested, but do not surrender it unless it is insisted.
• Leave the vehicle only if requested. If the checkpoint is not judged to be an attempted carjacking, turn the vehicle off and take keys. Remain close to the vehicle if possible.
• Comply with requests to search the vehicle. Accompany the searcher to ensure nothing is planted or stolen. Use judgment about protesting if items are removed. Do not aggressively resist if something is taken. Request documentation if possible.
• Do not offer goods in exchange for passage. This can encourage this behavior, making it more difficult for future travellers.

Awareness is a practice in being cognizant of your environment and how you should interact with that environment. Especially in a foreign country, awareness plays a huge role in your security. There are several things you can do to become more aware of your environment, thereby reducing your risk to threats, danger, and crime. Below you’ll find tips on how to increase your General Awareness and ways to use your Image, or how people perceive you, to your security advantage.

GENERAL AWARENESS
· Learn about local religious and cultural beliefs and practices and the various issues that may arise from them.
· If not from the area, learn the local language and practice it often. At a minimum, be aware of words or phrases that could be offensive as well as those to deter an offender or call for help.
· Keep informed of potential threats and areas to avoid.
· Be alert to the possibility of confrontation with individuals or groups. Be aware of times when crowds can be expected, such as after religious services, sporting events, or demonstrations. Avoid these areas.
·Be aware of the extent and activities of organized crime and take necessary precautions.
· Immediately leave any location that makes you feel uncomfortable.
· Know the local security arrangements, such as the nearest police station, emergency contact procedures, and potential safe areas.

IMAGE
· Arrange an introduction to the local authorities as appropriate.
· Interact often with neighbors and other staff. Become involved in community activities apart from work.
·Dress and behave in a manner considerate of local customs to avoid unwanted attention or disrespect.
· Avoid political discussions.
· Avoid being drawn into relationships that might carry unwanted personal obligations or expectations.
· Obey local laws at all times.
· Avoid transacting business with or carrying on personal relationships with those suspected of violating local laws
· Respect individual differences in risk perception. Always act in a manner that does not increase perceived risk to oneself or other members of the organization.
·Macho appearance in dress and behavior can provoke anger and escalate a dangerous situation. Maintain a calm, mature approach to all situations. Be non-provocative when confronted with hostility or potentially hostile situations.

An up-to-date emergency information form can make the difference between an emergency situation successfully resolved and a full-blown crisis concluding in devastating results. Especially if you are taking a trip, be sure to update your emergency information prior to your departure.  Keep a hard copy on file for yourself and share a copy with your organization, family members, and a close friend.  An individual not traveling or living with you should maintain a copy of the emergency form.  Good security practices involve reviewing your emergency information prior to leaving for a trip and at least once every six months, whichever is sooner.

A helpful emergency information form includes the following pieces:

• Basic personal information: name, date of birth, place of birth, social security number (or equivalent), name of your spouse
• Identification card(s) information: passport and driver’s license number, including expiration dates, country/state of issue, and date of issue
• Your contact information: phone number, email, and home address
• The names and contact information of at least 2 people to contact in case of an emergency
• An alert code to use in case of duress (forcibly restrained or restricted), giving you a discreet way to tell family, friends, or coworkers you are in danger (be sure to communicate this alert code to the people you will try to contact in distress)
• Health care information: name and contact information of primary care physician, dentist, and health insurance company (including the policy number)
• Any known medical conditions
• Prescriptions, including dosage information
• A current picture of yourself

For an example Emergency Information form you can download and use, please visit the Resources page.

Planning to travel away from home?  To a foreign country? Traveling in your home country is very different from traveling abroad. Overseas travelers must deal with local culture, language barriers, and foreign government officials. There are several things you can do before you travel to make your time abroad smooth and enjoyable. Whether you are traveling for business or as a tourist, you can easily learn how to travel abroad in complete safety when you put some thought and planning into your trip.

The following checklist will help you prepare for your trip and ensure you have all the necessary documents and safety precautions in place.

Documents

• Passport: Do you have 6 months remaining validity?
• Arrange visas for entry into countries to be visited, including those that you will transit.
• Carry a current driver’s license with your photo on it. Make sure it will not expire during your trip.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency. Arrange to check in with them at regular intervals.
• Photocopies: make two copies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, and driver’s license that you plan to bring with you. Leave one photocopy of these data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you carry your valuables.
• Make a list of addresses and emergency telephone numbers for U.S. embassies and local consulates.
• Make a list with your blood type, allergies, medical conditions, medications you are taking, and other special medical requirements.

Health

• Take a copy of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs.
• Take an extra set of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
• Take a health book (record of immunizations).
• Carry a small first aid kit.
• Take any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage.

Money, Cards, and Phone

• Obtain a modest amount of foreign currency before you leave your home country.
• Take only the credit cards you need.
• Bring travelers’ checks and one or two major credit cards instead of cash.
• Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place to conceal them.
• Make two copies of the numbers of credit cards and travelers’ checks, telephone numbers to report their loss, and air ticket numbers and store them in your wallet or briefcase.
• Ask your credit card company how to report the loss of your card from abroad, including a number you can call internationally.
• Consider getting a telephone calling card, worldwide paging or satellite cellular service.
• Find out your home country access code.

Luggage

• Tags: Put your name, address, and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality.
• Buy locks for your luggage.

Insurance

• Health insurance: Does your current plan cover you abroad? Does it cover medical evacuation from remote areas? If not, consider enrolling in an international health program. (Hospitals in foreign countries do not take credit cards and most will not honor U.S.-based medical insurance plans.)
• Find out if your personal property insurance covers you for loss or theft abroad.

Education

• Learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit.
• Learn a few important words of your country destination.
• Get a large regional map.
• Get a foreign language/English pocket dictionary or electronic translator.