When information is exchanged, sensitive information can be unintentionally transmitted alongside what was intended. This can happen when information is sent electronically, during a telephone call, or when storage media are handed over in person. When travelling abroad, the secure exchange of information is sometimes made even more difficult by surrounding circumstances that are technically insecure. In addition, business travellers may leave confidential documents in both physical and electronic form lying visible in public places or in hotel rooms due to carelessness.

Communicating with unknown IT systems and networks always poses a potential threat to a traveller's own end devices. This can allow confidential information to be copied, for example.

Meanwhile, foreign storage media can also contain malware. This carries the risk that important data could be stolen, manipulated, encrypted, or erased. At the same time, the integrity and availability of IT systems may also be impaired. This is exacerbated by the fact that data exchanges abroad often occur via insecure media. However, employees are not always aware of this important aspect.