Overseas travel and working arrangements
HUD discourages working from overseas unless there is a strong business case for doing so. However, if you decide to take your device in case you get stuck overseas, there are some safety processes to follow.
We are asking people to talk to their leader and discuss options in case you were unable to return by the date you anticipated. Our team can support your manager if they have questions around this.
If I need to take my device, do I need to arrange insurance for it or is it already covered by HUD?
If you do decide to take your device, you don’t need to take up any insurance. HUD devices are insured but we do ask that you use the golden rules for keeping it safe:- Store it in a safe place when not in use
- Have an up-to-date password that meets criteria
- Do not leave unattended in the car in very high or low temperatures
If you do decide to take it, you will also have to send an email to Digital Support letting them know the dates of your travel and location, in case they get flagged for an overseas access to systems.
What’s best practice when travelling overseas with my device?
1. Enable Multi-factor authentication (MFA):
Since HUD’s Microsoft 365 platform is internet-based and accessible from anywhere, it’s really important that MFA is enabled. This means that even if a password is discovered, a second factor still protects your account.
HUD has an expectation that everyone has MFA enabled. If you don’t, please enable it as soon as you can following our MFA instructions. You can choose to use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, email, or SMS codes once enabled. If you sometimes receive a challenge for an additional code when you log in to a HUD service, your MFA is already enabled.
2. Public Wi-Fi introduces significant security risk and should be avoided if possible. If you have a business case to be working overseas, then you can Hotspot via your work phone.
How do I my work phone while overseas?
If you have permission to be using your HUD work phone overseas, you can turn ‘Roaming On’ under Settings -> Mobile -> Mobile Data Options).
For more information about travelling overseas see this link - https://protectivesecurity.govt.nz/assets/Personnel-security/2f0251f728/Travel-advice-for-government-officials-travelling-overseas-on-business.pdf