Data Seizure from Abroad, is your data protected?

The New York Times recently reported on laptop and data seizures by US Customs and Homeland Security in the name of protecting the security and borders of the United States of America. In the article the Times called for this agency to stop the seizures for Americans returning from international travel abroad. “There have been widespread reports of the government searching — and often seizing — laptops, BlackBerrys, iPhones and other portable electronic devices at airports. It is not clear how often these searches occur, and the government will not say.

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives says that of 100 people who responded to a survey it conducted this year, 7 said they had had a laptop or other electronic device seized.” –New York Times What does this mean to you? Often times the information that this agency is seeking may require them to sort and review through confidential business contracts, contacts and other sensitive documents.

Traveling abroad for business could inevitably cause you to have to release information relative to intellectual property and business transactions at the border. There are reports that US Customs may retain your laptop and data or even erase it as indicated in a similar article from the Washington Post.

What are your options?

I firmly believe and understand that there are necessary measures to ensure the security of the United States and its citizens. Any advice provided here is not to subvert these measures, but instead is provided to change the methods in which you utilize technology to secure your sensitive information.

•Remotely store your information online – services like xdrive.com and Google Docs can provide a means in which to store and save sensitive data. GoToMyPC.com allows you to remotely control (like Remote Desktop) your home computer.

•VPN – Many corporations have invested in virtual private networks that allow you to access the company’s local network from abroad. Storing your data at your company’s network may be the most secure place.

•Biometric authentication – Many laptops today include fingerprint scanners that allow you to access key applications on your computer. While this won’t prevent Customs from accessing your data, minimally, it will allow you to be present when the data is being accessed.

•Install a Linux partition – Windows XP by default does not display partitions created by the Linux operating system. Creating a dual boot laptop with Windows and Linux could allow you to simply keep those without advanced technical knowledge away from your files. While this is not preventing anyone from accessing the data, it does keep the non-technical savvy people away without looking suspicious. Dual boot computers are very common today with the advancement and ease of use of the Linux operating system.

•Delete History and Cookies – deleting your cookies, clearing cache and history are some basic ways to keep others from seeing where you visit on the internet.

While there are encryption methods available to secure your data from prying eyes, this is not a recommended method. Those that secure information with software like PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) may be identified as an individual trying to hide something. Additionally, there are reports that US Customs has asked that travelers provide passwords to access their electronic devices.