International business travel feels routine. You land, check in, attend meetings or events, and return home. But that routine hides real risk. If you have access to sensitive information, you may already be a target.
You Are More Visible Than You Think
Foreign intelligence services and criminal networks do not need to break into your company to gather useful data. They can get it from you—without you realizing. Many travellers do not see themselves as high-value targets. That makes them more vulnerable.
Agents rarely look suspicious. They are friendly, confident, and often informed. You meet them at conferences, hotels, or bars. They ask casual questions and seem curious about your work. You respond, not realizing that the conversation was planned.
This tactic is called elicitation
How Elicitation Works
Elicitation is designed to feel natural. The person might use flattery to prompt details. They might ask something false, hoping you correct them. Some drop information to invite reciprocity. Others act unfamiliar with your field to draw out an explanation.
You may hear something like: “We heard you built a range system—was it really 3,000 meters?” Correcting that statement reveals more than you intended.
These tactics work because people want to help, feel informed, or be liked. Many agents are trained to use those instincts.
Who Gets Targeted
Anyone with access to confidential material is a potential source. That includes developers, IT staff, human resources teams, or salespeople. Targets are not always high-level executives.
Agents also look for personal traits. They prefer people who feel ignored or undervalued. Narcissists are easy to flatter. Lonely traveller’s may be more willing to talk. Even someone going through a personal crisis becomes easier to influence.
Sexspionage: When Intimacy Becomes a Tool
Another method is sexspionage. Intelligence services use intimacy to manipulate people. The target may believe the relationship is real. They may share information or do favours. Later, they may be blackmailed if the contact was recorded.
People often underestimate this risk. They assume it will not happen to them. But agents use charm and attention as tools. The goal is access.
One known case involved a Marine working at a U.S. embassy. He was seduced by an intelligence officer. He later gave classified information, including the names of undercover agents. The relationship began as romance. It ended with conviction.
Surveillance Is not Obvious
Surveillance does not always look high-tech. It can be physical or electronic. Hotel rooms are often monitored. Luggage might be searched. Devices can be copied or tampered with during airport inspections. Public Wi-Fi is easy to intercept.
Your information can be used to profile you before you even travel. Visa applications, conference bios, and social media accounts help foreign services prepare. By the time someone strikes up a conversation at a tradeshow, they may know your job, your project, and your patterns.
Steps to Reduce Risk
You do not need to stop traveling. You need to prepare and act carefully
Before travel:
- Carry only essential devices.
- Use clean laptops with no stored sensitive data.
- Avoid posting travel details online.
- Research laws and risks for each destination.
During travel:
- Avoid sensitive conversations in public.
- Do not leave devices unattended in hotel rooms.
- Treat hotel safes as unsecure.
- Do not use hotel business centres for confidential work.
- Be cautious of people who ask about your work or company.
After travel:
- Change all passwords on a secure device.
- Check devices for unusual activity.
- Report suspicious interactions to your organization.
The Silent Threat
Most attacks do not involve hacking software. They target people. The attacker gains trust, triggers emotions, or applies pressure. In many cases, victims do not even know they have shared something useful.
That is what makes these methods effective
When you travel, you are not just a passenger. You represent your organization. You carry information that others want. Awareness is not paranoia. It is the cost of working in a world where information is currency.
IT Minister provides proactive Cyber Security Management. Our goal is to strengthen your defences and improve your security posture. This is achieved with our expert advice and complementary services. We exceed compliance standards, aiming to ensure you achieve the highest level of security maturity.
At IT Minister, we want your experience with us to be smooth from the start. Contact us to get started. We are excited to support you. If you have any questions or concerns, our support team is ready to help.
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