I recently talked with a faculty member who's concerned about re-entering the US after traveling internationally, especially with sensitive research data. He's faced multiple checks by TSA and DHS and worries that his devices (like his business laptop and personal phone) could be searched. Given the political climate regarding certain topics he's working on, he fears personal data might be misinterpreted. He's looking for advice on how to prepare for potential detainment and how to protect his devices and data during these searches. While I suggested he consult a lawyer and offered some tips like using cloud storage and being ready to reset his phone, I want to gather more thoughts on this situation. How do others handle data safety when traveling abroad?
4 Answers
I think the best move is to not bring sensitive data physically if you can avoid it. Use cloud services to store everything and only access it online when you need to. TSA is usually looking for explosives, so focus on keeping your data secure in the cloud. Plus, if your devices are empty, it reduces risk during checks!
It’s a tough situation, especially with the current climate. When crossing borders, using a simple device (like a blank laptop) for sensitive stuff could be a lifesaver. Just be cautious about what data you bring back and keep things minimal.
Really, having a dedicated travel device is the way to go. Much less stress if you’re only carrying non-sensitive information!
It's crucial to consult a lawyer first off. From a travel perspective, I'd recommend using a clean laptop or burner devices that you can reset before entering the US. If anything happens, you can just wipe them and not worry about your sensitive info getting into the wrong hands.
Great idea! Having a separate device just for travel seems like a smart strategy and avoids any hassle with critical data.
Make sure any important data is backed up in the cloud. If you can't avoid bringing a laptop, consider using privacy-focused software that resets your data on reboot. Just be ready to handle any unexpected security checks.
Yes! I keep everything synced to the cloud and use apps that allow for remote wiping just in case. Better safe than sorry!
Exactly! It’s all about minimizing risk. Plus, if your laptop gets stolen or damaged, having everything in the cloud makes recovery so much easier.