The global CEO, a digital nomad by definition, manages sensitive information on its devices, which are office extensions. This mobility, such as in Madrid-Nueva York flights, exposes corporate data to increasing cyber-cyber threats. It is crucial to adopt strategies and solutions to protect this information.
The digital transformation has made the Executive a high value objective due to its access to strategic data. Cybersecurity is a “business priority”, especially for the traveling manager who operates outside the safe corporate network.
International trips, such as those frequent on the Madrid-New York route, multiply the vulnerability points by public Wi-Fi networks, variable data regulations and distractions. Recent investigations indicate a significant 42% increase in cybercidents of importance in Europe and North America between 2023 and 2024.
The same tools that enhance the productivity of the Executive in motion-Light portile, always connected smartphones, ubiquitous access to the cloud and the use of available Wi-Fi networks-are those that expand its attack surface. Effective cybersecurity does not seek to restrict this productivity, but to enable it safely, with robust but also practical solutions.
Threats in transit
Executives are coveted by the value of the data they handle and their privileged access. A manager whose credentials or devices are committed can open the door to the corporate network, with devastating consequences. The global average cost of a data filtration reached 4.88 million dollars in 2024.
The threats they face are varied:
- Non-safe public Wi-Fi networks: common in airports, hotels and coffee shops, are vulnerable to “Man-in-The-Middle” attacks (MITM). In these, an attacker intercepts communication, often configuring a false Wi-Fi access point or exploiting vulnerabilities in legitimate networks to capture data. Airports are especially risky, with “twin hottspots” to deceive users.
- Committed USB load stations (“Juice Jacking”): Public USB ports can be modified by cybercriminals to install malware or extract sensitive data (contacts, emails, passwords) while the device is loaded, a technique known as “Juice Jacking.” Increased a load cable may be altered. Avoid these unknown stations and cables.
- Physical loss or theft of devices: a forgotten laptop or a stolen smartphone are frequent risks. Only in the United States is a laptop steal approximately every 53 seconds and about 640,000 are lost annually in airports. Complete disk encryption and remote erase are crucial.
- Phishing and “Spear Phishing” attacks highly directed: email is the main vector in 91% of cyber attacks. Executives are “Spear Phishing,” personalized attacks that use specific information from the manager to look legitimate. Human error is a factor in 60% of the gaps, and a tired executive is especially vulnerable. Sharing social networks travel plans can facilitate these attacks.
Airports such as Madrid-Barajas or JFK in New York are “hot areas” for cyberamezas due to the high concentration of connected travelers, the proliferation of public Wi-Fi and load stations, and distractions. Even VIP rooms are main objectives for attackers looking for sensitive information.
Business Protection Solutions
The protection of corporate data in mobility requires a multifaceted approach. Before any tool, the awareness and training of managers and employees are fundamental. A travel plan and security policies must be communicated. The incident report rate quadruples after adequate training.
On this basis, technological defenses are built:
- Business VPNS (Virtual Private Networks): Your armored connection abroad.
Unlike consumption VPNs, business VPNs are designed for organizations, offering dedicated servers, static IP, centralized management, robust encryption and a safe tunnel to the corporate network. This allows access to internal resources safely, especially in public Wi-Fi. - Robust identities management (IAM): The key is multifactorial.
Solo passwords are not enough; The theft of credentials represents 22% of the gaps. Multifactor authentication (MFA) is indispensable, requiring two or more verifications (eg password + mobile code or footprint). Even with a stolen password, access is blocked without the second factor. MFA is recommended to phishing, as physical security keys (FIDO). Use robust passwords and change them periodically. - Endpoints protection: ensuring each device (laptops, mobiles, tablets). Each connected device (laptop, smartphone) is an “endpoint” and a possible entry point. Endpoints Protection Platforms (EPP) integrate new generation antivirus (NGAV), which uses AI to detect new malware, and detection and response in the Endpoint (EDR), which monitors suspicious activity. Disc encryption and maintaining updated systems are fundamental. It worries that 66% of malware infections occur on devices with safety solutions, underlining the need for effective tools.
These solutions – Business VPN, IAM with MFA and Advanced Endpoints – must be implemented jointly. Its synergy provides an in -depth defense.
Rumbo to New York: key travel considerations to the United States
The Madrid-New York route is a vital corridor for commerce and innovation. Given the importance of New York as an epicenter of global businesses, the protection of corporate data on these trips is even more critical
When traveling to the United States, and specifically to New York, managers must know the electronic device inspection policy on the border by the Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP). The CBP has wide authority to inspect devices of any traveler, without the need for previous suspicion.
Although “basic” (visual) searches are common, CBP can perform “advanced” searches, connecting equipment to copy and analyze content, which requires reasonable suspicion of infringement or national security concern. Travelers must present their inspection devices, including passwords if necessary; The refusal can affect admission, especially for foreigners.
Recommended precautions:
- Minimize sensitive data on the device: trip with the least amount of business or personal data of a certain value. A forensic search can recover files deleted so if you eliminate them do it with specific deletion programs.
- Robust encryption and turned off: use strong encryption, complex passwords and turn off the devices on the border.
- Consider “clean” devices: for sensitive trips, use devices without critical corporate information.
- Safe cloud storage: save critical data in the corporate cloud (protected by VPN and MFA) and access them after the customs inspection. Make sure there are no sensitive data cacheted locally. The CBP should not inspect stored data only in the cloud and not present in the physical device.
This “sovereign risk” demands a “just-in-time” data management, carrying only the essentials and accessing the rest safely at destination. Surveillance in airports such as JFK against fake Wi-Fi or compromised load stations must be constant.
Cybersecurity Decalogue for the Executive Traveler
Before the trip:
- Update everything: operating systems, browsers, applications and security software must be updated.
- Make critical information backup: Make backups and keep them in a safe and separate place.
- Check corporate policies: familiarize the cybersecurity guidelines for your company’s trips.
- Minimize data and devices: Take only the strictly necessary.
During the trip:
- VPN always active: activate your business VPN before connecting to any Wi-Fi network or accessing corporate resources.
- Wi-Fi with caution: Verify the legitimacy of the networks. Distrust open networks. Disable the automatic connection.
- MFA is your ally: Make sure the MFA is activated in all its critical accounts.
- Sight and blocked devices: Never lose sight of your devices. BLOCK THEY ALWAYS WHEN I DON’T USE THEM.
- SAFE LOAD: Avoid public USB ports. Use your own external charger or battery.7 Consider a “USB data blocker.”
After the trip:
- Incidents report: report any suspicious activity, loss of device or possible security commitment to the IT department.
- Consider changing passwords.
