Electronic Searches

[KevinStecyk]

Great article on electronic searches from Washington Post. You might be required to register, which is free.

washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines

Maria Udy, a marketing executive with a global travel management firm in Bethesda, said her company laptop was seized by a federal agent as she was flying from Dulles International Airport to London in December 2006. Udy, a British citizen, said the agent told her he had "a security concern" with her. "I was basically given the option of handing over my laptop or not getting on that flight," she said.

The seizure of electronics at U.S. borders has prompted protests from travelers who say they now weigh the risk of traveling with sensitive or personal information on their laptops, cameras or cellphones. In some cases, companies have altered their policies to require employees to safeguard corporate secrets by clearing laptop hard drives before international travel.

[ChrisPerry]

Some companies had similar policies before because of theft issues. A friend of mine's boss lost her computer in some airport..lost, stolen...she was the owner so who's to question? His last job required he take the backups offsite, in his own car, each day on the way home. Nothing ever happened, but the risk is tremendous - he had about 150,000 records of drug tests with the owner's name, address, and social security number.

Ever have a car accident? They tow your car, and keep it basically unsecured (depending on the place). Mine was towed to a lot with no security - i took my personal possessions out of it without being stopped or questioned. My friend in a town over had the opposite problem - until the two bill was settled he was not allowed access - it can take 2 or 3 days for that to happen and in the meantime he can't get his laptop, briefcase, etc.

So while I think this gov't search or seizure of computer gear is a bit much, it's probably less likely that the above scenario. And for those that live paranoid lives, if they're watching you then they'll get you when your sleeping or something like that.