What should you do to stay safe whilst commuting?

When travelling to and from work, take simple but effective steps to protect yourself, your devices and your organisation’s information. Stay aware of your surroundings, secure your devices, and limit how much attention you draw in public.

Commuting often involves crowded spaces, distractions and unfamiliar environments. These conditions increase the risk of theft, surveillance and accidental data exposure. A calm, consistent and security-conscious approach can significantly reduce that risk.

What should you do to stay safe whilst commuting

Fast checklist

When travelling to and from work:

  • Turn off work devices or log out when not in use
  • Remove name tags, lanyards and visible work branding
  • Stay alert and keep your belongings secure
  • Enable and use multi-factor authentication
  • Use a privacy screen when working near others
  • Be cautious when using banking and payment apps
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi or use a company-approved VPN
  • Do not plug data cables directly into publicly accessible sockets
  • Do not use someone else’s data cable unless you trust them
  • Do not allow tailgating when entering your workplace

The sections below walk through these steps in more detail.

Staying safe whilst commuting

Step 1 – Secure your devices

If you do not need your device during your journey:

  • Switch off your work phone, laptop or table
  • At a minimum, log out and lock the screen
  • Use a strong passcode, biometrics, or both
  • Keep devices in a zipped, closed bag rather than visible pockets

An unlocked or unattended device can be quickly accessed if it is lost or stolen.

Step 2 – Remove visible identification

Avoid displaying anything that links you to your organisation:

  • Take off staff badges, name tags and lanyards
    • Avoid showing company-branded items such as passes or documents
    • If possible, avoid using branded cups, bags or clothing in crowded spaces

Visible identification can increase the risk of targeted theft or social engineering.

Step 3 – Stay aware of your surroundings

Distraction is one of the biggest risks while commuting:

  • Be mindful of who is around you on trains, buses and platforms
  • Keep bags zipped and close to your body
  • Avoid using headphones if they reduce awareness
  • Do not discuss sensitive work matters in public
  • Use a privacy screen protector to prevent people nearby from viewing sensitive information, especially when working near windows or in shared spaces

Situational awareness is a simple but powerful safety habit.

Step 4 – Use strong security controls

Ensure your devices are protected in case they are lost or stolen:

  • Enable multi-factor authentication
  • Use device encryption
  • Set short automatic screen-lock timeouts
  • Make sure remote wipe and tracking features are enabled

These controls help protect your data even if the device cannot be recovered.

Step 5 – Be careful with what you are doing on your phone in public

Unlocked phones using payment apps are common targets for criminals:

  • Be cautious when using banking or digital wallet apps in public
  • Shield the screen from others where possible and use a privacy screen
  • Lock your phone as soon as the task is complete
  • Move to a quieter or less crowded area if you need to use them

Opportunistic theft often happens in seconds.

Step 6 – Avoid public Wi-Fi

Public networks are often insecure and easily monitored:

  • Avoid accessing work systems on public Wi-Fi
  • Do not log into sensitive accounts such as email or banking
  • If you must connect, use a company-approved VPN
  • Turn off auto-connect to open networks

A mobile hotspot or personal data connection is usually safer.

Step 7 – When you arrive at the office

Your responsibility for security continues when you reach your workplace:

  • Do not allow tailgating. Never hold doors open for people without valid access
  • Politely challenge anyone without a visible pass, if it is safe to do so
  • If you feel uncomfortable, do not put yourself at risk. Report it to security or facilities instead

Tailgating is a common method used to bypass physical security controls.

Step 8 – Know what to do if something goes wrong

If your device is lost or stolen, or you believe information may have been exposed:

  • Report it immediately to your IT or security team
  • Inform your manager if a work device is involved
  • Contact your bank if financial apps or cards were accessible
  • Change important passwords as soon as possible

The faster you act, the more likely it is that data can be protected.

Final thoughts

Commuting is part of everyday working life, but it can also be one of the most vulnerable times for both personal and information security. Crowds, fatigue and routine make it easier for mistakes to happen and for opportunists to take advantage.

Staying safe does not mean being anxious. It means being aware, prepared and consistent.

Small habits such as locking your phone, fitting a privacy screen, removing your badge and preventing tailgating make a significant difference over time.

Reviewed by: Gavin Wilson, Director of Physical Security and Risk

Last updated: 09/12/2025

Need support with commuter safety awareness or staff security training?
Talk to Toro about building safer habits and a stronger security culture across your people, places and devices.

 

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