Overview
International travel poses security risks to data stored on computers and mobile devices. Taking your laptop or mobile device when you travel significantly increases the possibility of data and identity theft. The International Loaner Program for International Travel offers loaner laptops, and smartphones to individuals traveling abroad to lessen the associated security risks while allowing full use of required software applications.
Devices are available to faculty and staff for the purpose of conducting University business and program activities during international travel. Devices and a limited data plan are provided at no charge. Other costs such as data overage charges; international voice; text messaging; and lost, stolen or damaged equipment are the responsibility of the borrower and his or her department.
Please Note: You must complete a Device Request no later than 10 working days prior to your departure date. This is required to ensure that a device and its services can be successfully provisioned prior to your departure.
Detail
Request a Device
Device Requests Must be Made 10 Working Days Prior to Your Departure Date
- Register your trip through the International SOS MyTrips portal.
- Complete the International Loaner Program Device Request form.
Note: While the service is free, you will need to provide a departmental account number to cover telephone overages or to replace damaged or lost hardware. It’s best to have the department account number on hand before you begin filling out the form.
- Pitt IT will contact you to let you know where and when you can pick up the device(s).
Loan Terms and Conditions
- Loan requests must be submitted at least ten working days prior to departure. Devices are loaned on a first-come, first-served basis. Submission of a request does not guarantee availability. The maximum loan period is 90 days.
- Loaned devices are property of the University of Pittsburgh. Devices and a limited data plan are provided at no charge. Other costs such as data overage charges, international voice; text messaging, and lost, stolen or damaged equipment are the responsibility of the borrower and his or her department. If a loaned item is damaged, contact the Technology Help Desk at 412 624-HELP [4357].
- Pitt Information Technology (Pitt IT) will only install software or app titles on a device if the licensing agreement includes international use rights. Do not install any software on loaned devices that is not needed to conduct University business. CSSD will try to honor requests to install specific software and app titles that are available through Software Distribution Services, the Software Download service, and the Pitt App Store.
- Do not store restricted data on any loaned devices. Please see the Data Risk Classification and Compliance web page for more information.
- Borrowers should keep the device(s) in their possession at all times. If a loaned device is lost or stolen, report it to the campus police at 412-624-4040 and then contact the Technology Help Desk at 412-624-HELP [4357].
- Loan requests cannot be approved if the international travel itinerary includes a destination that is identified as a state sponsor of terrorism or is listed as an embargoed actor by the U.S. Department of State. These countries include: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Sudan.
- Trade restrictions have been placed on some countries, for example Myanmar (Burma), China, Israel, Kazakhstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine. Devices that are loaned for international travel to such countries must be accompanied by documentation that indicates compliance with trade restrictions. Further information about restricted countries is available by contacting the Office of Trade Compliance at EChelp@pitt.edu. Additional time will be required to process these loan device requests and issue authorization documentation. Each request is handled on an individual, case-by-case basis and there is no guarantee it will be approved.
- All loaned devices must be returned to Pitt IT within one week of returning to the United States.
- After you return from your trip, do not connect a loaned device to Wireless PittNet or to any wired network ports at the University. Borrowers are responsible for transferring or removing any data that they want to keep before returning a loaned device. Pitt IT can assist borrowers with the removal of any data stored on the device but cannot back up data. Pitt IT will erase the device when it is returned and is not responsible for any lost data. The borrower must change his or her University Computing Account password upon returning to the University.
- The same rules and guidelines that govern use of devices on PittNet apply to the use of devices loaned for international travel. See University Policy 10-02-05 Computer Access and Use for details.
- Violations of the terms outlined above will result in the appropriate disciplinary action, which may include loss of loan device privileges, computing privileges, suspension, termination, or expulsion from the University, and legal action.
- Violations of any international, federal, state, or local law concerning the unauthorized access or use of loaned University devices and computing services will result in the appropriate disciplinary action up to, and including termination from the University.
Available Devices & Software
Devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting a request does not guarantee that a device will be available.
Laptops
Available laptops include a Dell Latitude PC or an Apple MacBook Pro. The travel kit includes global power adapters, wireless mouse, travel bag, car/plane charger (Dell), VGA/HDMI video adapter (Dell), and HDMI video adapter (Apple).
Laptop Software
A core group of software is pre-installed on devices. For example, core software installed on laptops includes the following:
- Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Defender
- MalwareBytes Premium
- GlobalProtect or Global Protect VPN
Pitt IT tries to honor requests to install specific software or app titles that are available through the University, including the Software Download Service, Software Distribution Services, and the Pitt App Store. Note that Pitt IT will only install software or app titles on a device if the licensing agreement includes international use rights.
Smartphones
Available smartphones include an iPhone 6 or a Samsung. Travel kit includes global power adapter, phone case, and car charger.
Connecting to Pitt
During your international travel, you can connect your device securely to the University by accessing the Secure Remote Access Service through a Web browser or by using GlobalProtect or Global Protect VPN, which is the default client installed on all loaned devices.
Returning Devices
All borrowed devices must be returned within one week of your arrival in the United States. Perform the following to secure your data before returning your device.
- Do not connect a loaned device to Wireless PittNet or to any wired network ports at the University.
- Transfer any data that you want to keep from the device. Pitt IT will securely erase the device when you return it, so it is your responsibility to transfer any data that you want to retain.
- Change your University Computing Account password at My Pitt. Log in, click Manage My Account in the left-hand menu, click Password Change, and follow the instructions.
Relevant Policies and Guidelines