For many cleared professionals, international travel is part of the job. Whether supporting defense programs, working with partner nations, or attending overseas conferences, traveling abroad can introduce a range of security risks, both physical and digital.
According to former CIA officer and security expert Tim Beard, one of the most important habits travelers can develop is something intelligence professionals practice every day: situational awareness.
“Safety isn’t about fear, it’s about preparation,” Beard said in discussing the principles behind his approach to personal security. “The goal is to build habits that help you recognize potential risks before they become problems.”
For professionals working in national security roles, that mindset closely mirrors the concept of operational security, or OPSEC, protecting sensitive information and reducing vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit. Tim joins the podcast to discuss.
One of the most important security steps happens before the plane ever leaves the ground. Intelligence and security professionals are trained to think about vulnerabilities in advance, from travel routes to communication methods. For cleared professionals traveling overseas, that preparation often includes reviewing company or agency guidance, limiting the devices they bring abroad, and ensuring that work-related information is properly protected.
Travelers should also be mindful of what they share publicly before a trip. Posting travel plans on social media or discussing sensitive work details in public settings can create unnecessary exposure. “Awareness starts before you ever leave home,” Beard noted. “Thinking about how your movements, conversations, or digital footprint might be observed is part of good security hygiene.”
Maintain Situational Awareness in Public Spaces
Airports, hotels, restaurants and public transportation hubs are common gathering points for international travelers, and they can also present opportunities for surveillance or opportunistic crime. Beard encourages travelers to adopt a simple habit he describes as “looking twice.” It’s a mindset that means taking a moment to assess surroundings rather than moving through environments on autopilot. That might include noting entrances and exits when entering a building, keeping track of personal belongings, or paying attention to unusual behavior.
Situational awareness doesn’t mean assuming every situation is dangerous, Beard says. Instead, it means maintaining enough awareness to recognize when something feels out of place.
Protect Your Devices and Information
Digital security is another critical part of travel OPSEC. Phones, laptops and tablets can contain large amounts of sensitive information, and they are particularly vulnerable during international travel. Security professionals often recommend traveling with clean devices whenever possible and avoiding connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Charging stations in public areas can also pose risks if devices are connected to unknown USB ports.
Even casual conversations can present vulnerabilities. Discussing sensitive projects or security-related work in public places like hotel lobbies, rideshares or restaurants may unintentionally expose information to individuals who are listening.
For cleared personnel, these habits are often reinforced during security briefings, but Beard emphasizes that the same awareness should extend throughout the entire trip.
Transportation Risks Are Often Overlooked
Travel security discussions often focus on cyber risks or surveillance, but Beard notes that transportation scenarios are frequently where travelers encounter problems. Driving in unfamiliar locations, navigating aggressive traffic environments or encountering road rage situations can escalate quickly if travelers react emotionally. Remaining calm, avoiding confrontation and prioritizing distance from potentially volatile situations are key strategies.
Public transportation systems also require awareness. Keeping bags secure, staying alert to surroundings and avoiding unnecessary distractions, such as walking through crowded areas while focused on a phone, can significantly reduce vulnerability.
One of Beard’s central messages is that effective security does not require constant suspicion or fear. Instead, it relies on simple habits that help individuals stay alert and make better decisions. For cleared professionals who already operate in environments where OPSEC matters, many of these practices are second nature in the workplace. Applying that same awareness during travel can help reduce both physical and information security risks.
“Preparation and awareness give people confidence,” Beard said. “When you’re paying attention to your environment and thinking ahead, you’re far better positioned to avoid problems before they start.”
As international travel continues to play a role in national security work, those habits, from digital discipline to situational awareness, remain some of the most effective tools for staying safe overseas.
