Computers make us more productive. Yeah, right. Lifehacker recommends the software downloads and web sites that actually save time. Don't live to geek; geek to live. ...
According to a new U.S. Department of Homeland Security policy, a Customs agent could seize your laptop for "an indefinite period" and even copy the data on your hard drive on your way to your European vacation destination. Whoah. CNET reports the DHS policy says that Customs agents can seize, make copies of and "analyze the information transported by any individual attempting to enter, reenter, depart, pass through, or reside in the United States." CNET recommends encrypting your data before you leave the house, but we're not so sure. Wouldn't that make your laptop appear more suspect? Wouldn't they just have you just unlock the drive by typing in your password anyway? We're not lawyers, so we won't even touch on the legality of this, but here's our recommendation. Do what you can to leave your laptop home. That's what I wished I'd done after my trip to Thailand . Instead, load up a thumb drive with the apps and files you need—and encrypt it, if you'd like—and you'll travel lighter, worry less about your notebook, and avoid the possibility of having your entire hard drive scanned by Customs. If it's a business trip, make your files accessible remotely , and grab 'em at your destination instead of bringing them with you through airport security. What's your best workaround on this WTF DHS policy? Let us know in the comments. Homeland Security: We can seize laptops for an indefinite period [The Iconoclast] ...
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According to a new U.S. Department of Homeland Security policy, a Customs agent could seize your laptop for "an indefinite period" and even copy the data on your hard drive on your way to your European vacation destination. Whoah. CNET reports the DHS policy says that Customs agents can seize, make copies of and "analyze the information transported by any individual attempting to enter, reenter, depart, pass through, or reside in the United States." CNET recommends encrypting your data before you leave the house, but we're not so sure. Wouldn't that make your laptop appear more suspect? Wouldn't they just have you just unlock the drive by typing in your password anyway? We're not lawyers, so we won't even touch on the legality of this, but here's our recommendation. Do what you can to leave your laptop home. That's what I wished I'd done after my trip to Thailand . Instead, load up a thumb drive with the apps and files you need—and encrypt it, if you'd like—and you'll travel lighter, worry less about your notebook, and avoid the possibility of having your entire hard drive scanned by Customs. If it's a business trip, make your files accessible remotely , and grab 'em at your destination instead of bringing them with you through airport security. What's your best workaround on this WTF DHS policy? Let us know in the comments. Homeland Security: We can seize laptops for an indefinite period [The Iconoclast] ...