Traveling with digital devices is a near necessity for most of us. While we enjoy the convenience of having our phone or tablet along, we are also bringing a load of data that may be attractive to foreign interests. Even “friendly” countries may have an interest in harvesting your data for intelligence or theft of trade secrets. Here are some key points from a presentation I did on the topic.
A few take aways for those who couldn’t make it:
1. Try to travel with a “clean” laptop with no company data or saved passwords.
2. Be aware you may need to open and in effect decrypt your data when passing through borders of some countries or risk losing your device or your freedom.
3. You have no 4th amendment protection from search and seizure passing through US Customs.
4. Have your device analyzed upon return if you suspect it was accessed.
