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Technology
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How to travel with a laptop
To keep your laptop safe while traveling, keep the following in mind:
- Use a well-made, well-padded case to carry your laptop. Carry it onboard rather than checking it.
- Make sure security applications and software updates are current.
- Limit confidential information transmission, such as any credit purchases, reservations, or anything with a Social Security number.
- Travel with an Ethernet cable, in case there is no wireless connection available at your destination.
- Use a system password on your laptop as a basic security feature.
- Use file passwords on confidential files.
Never leave your laptop out of sight (especially in the airport bathroom). - If you must leave your laptop unattended in a car, put it in the trunk where it can't be seen. Keep in mind that extreme temperatures may damage electronic devices.
- Wait until it is your turn to walk through the security checkpoint metal detectors before sending your laptop through airport X-ray conveyer belt. This will reduce the risk of someone on the other side of the checkpoint walking away with your laptop.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is researching new ways to let travelers leave laptops in their cases at checkpoints. Currently, laptops must be removed because they are so dense that they could block X-ray machines from illuminating weapons hidden in cases. The agency is searching for a "checkpoint-friendly" case that would allow screeners a clear view of the laptops as they go through the X-ray machine. Prototypes are being solicited from companies and TSA will begin testing these prototypes in June. TSA-compliant bags could eventually set standards for checkpoint-friendly cases with unique features that would signal to airport screeners that the bags can go through X-rays with laptops inside. This would allow travelers to eliminate one step from the process of passing through security checkpoints.
Sources: Atlanta Journal Constitution; USA Today
Group seeks clarification on law allowing laptop searches
A California group (Electronic Frontier Foundation) that works to defend persons’ rights recently co-filed a lawsuit to determine the policies that exist governing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) questioning and searching procedures of travelers at ports of entry. The suit accuses agents of “lengthy and intrusive searches.” Some travelers have complained that confiscated laptops were never returned (usually they are examined and copied and returned by mail in about two weeks).
CBP maintains a showing of probable cause to search luggage or laptops (and other e-devices) is not required. Department of Homeland Security officials have likened searching electronic devices to searches of briefcases. The argument runs that a computer is more akin to searching a home because of the extent of information it contains—extensive personal information and communications, as well as proprietary business information.
While this and other lawsuits may eventually provide clarity, many believe it will be years before the law catches up with the technology. The executive director of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) has expressed concern about the information that CBP obtains and what becomes of it, acknowledging that the public should know its rights.
Until additional clarification about the law is provided, ACTE offers some suggestions for handing the situation if selected for a search. Cooperate and be respectful. Put into writing your concerns for the proprietary business information contained; more legal rights are retained if the concern is registered. Ask for a CBP badge number and receipt for any item confiscated. Be sure that a copy of any data contained is stored elsewhere. Consider and choose what to take on an international trip as the U.S. government can legally obtain any and all information on any computer either entering or leaving the United States.
Sources: cnn.com, cbp.gov, acte.org
