Getting on a flight is such a hassle these days. There are so many security checks and inspections to go through which is good, but then they hit our mobile devices. Now, we can't even bring our mobile devices on flights! How can we assure that our data is secure? And our laptops don't get stolen?
K.C. Jones discovered some advice from security providers on how to travel with electronic devices.
- Use approved luggage locks to deter theft.
- Protect laptops with soft foam and bubble wrap, placing them inside other luggage for protection, and to keep prying eyes out.
- Use secure alphanumeric passwords to secure sensitive data.
- Backup data before traveling.
- Tracking and security software is a good idea, it dumps files in the BIOS for easy tracking.
- With remote data in place, you can possibly erase data from your laptop if it stolen, from a remote location.
- External drives can be valuable for easy access to data if luggage is lost or stolen.
- Keep all computer records including serial number, make and model.
- Shut down laptop completely before you pack it. Don't leave it in hibernate or standby modes.
Make sure your data is secure, and have a great flight.
Tags: external drives, ExternalDrives, flight security, FlightSecurity, laptop, mobile device, MobileDevice, security, tracking
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Comments
6
Subscribe to commentsKeevesAug 14th 2006 12:18PM
After a couple of days of high security measures after the terror threat, i believe that all flights out of Britain now allow (small) hand luggage, which includes laptops.
Still - if electrical devices like laptops (or even electrical keyrings) are enough to be a detonator for a bomb then it mite be in everyone's interest to block them in hand luggage. Possibly - in the future, the back of every seet will contain a computer screen to access the Internet on flights.
icerabbitAug 14th 2006 12:52PM
I agree that air travel is a hassle when you carry electronics.
One problem with external drives, unless they're the flash drive type, is that I've seen those do get the attention of security.
What really irks me about the security checkpoints is that you have to pull your notebook out of its protective sleeve / envelope. Mine even has a plastic insert in it showing the brand logo. I'm OK that they like to have a better view without a packed bag around it, but there's nothing a little padded cloth will hide. I just don't like to see my brand new top dollar notebook being tossed around in some old grey box by their staff as there is always some reason why they have to shuffle the boxes to rescan some items. Just the other day I had to refuse throwing my keys, shoes etc in the same grey box ... and of course I again could not keep track of where my system was.
One tip if you have multiple items that need scanning:
Try to put your notebook in the last bin.
Outside of the US we have a much better experience. My wife and I have yet to be asked to remove a notebook from our laptop bags. They scan the entire bag. Perhaps swipe the handle & case some for analysis, but I've never been asked to remove it. You can keep your shoes on too.
Perhaps maybe some day things will go back to normal.
jAug 14th 2006 2:39PM
#9 might not be the best idea. Last time I was on an airplane(about 3 years ago) they asked anyone with a camera or laptop to turn it on just to check if it was real. I might be wrong but its prob better to leave it in standby and after you get through security to turn it off.
icerabbitAug 14th 2006 5:07PM
I remember the practice of having to turn on notebooks & video cameras that were part of carry-on luggage. That was in the months / years following 9-11.
This hasn't been the case in the past 2 years that I know of, at least for us.
I think the point for #9 in this list is, that if you have to check your carry-on bag to have your notebook turned off. That way, since your luggage has to be unlocked, a staffer with an extra minute can't just flip on your system and see what you were doing, have access to some critical and/or personal data.
That's why it is also good to disable auto-logon - if you are not doing this in general already - and possibly even use a BIOS password so the system doesn't even boot up into your OS.
MilaAug 14th 2006 8:07PM
Great tips, especially number 6. Reminds me of Remote Laptop Security (RLS), which allows you to deny access to protected files from any computer with an Internet connection in case of a lost or stolen laptop.
Seems like today protecting a laptop is a science of its own, with all the necessary precautions. Still, better safe than sorry!
MilaAug 14th 2006 8:14PM
Another word about Remote Laptop Security http://www.essentialsecurity.com/Documents/article18.htm - it's a perfect solution for a small business or an individual as some RLS software does not require computer skills of an IT professional.