Since this is a different agency than typically conducts (similarly intrusive and seemingly illegal) searches in the case of international flights, I wonder if they are following a common protocol? If so, who creates that?
I'm about to fly internationally for the first time in a while; anybody have any advice on how to handle my devices?
I recommend one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/MyDigitalSSD-480GB-SuperSpeed-Portabl...
Keep it encrypted and in your pocket.
Not sure that's the case: TSA agents are not police or any other law enforcement any more than the gate agent is,and can't make arrests or anything like that. Pretty sure you can say what you like (though please, be polite!).
I once pulled out my phone to photograph the badge of an agent who was particularly obnoxious, not just to me but to others. I planned to fill out the complaint card. He freaked out, told me photography was not allowed, grabbed me by the arm and called for the cop. The cop came over and told him in no uncertain terms to let go of me, that photography is fine, asked me if I got a clear photo and made sure I got a photo of the badge. And handed me a complaint form. I assume he already knew that the TSA guy was a jerk.
Aren't TSA agents government, federal, employees?
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001?qt-us_code_t...
> Except as otherwise provided in this section, whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States, knowingly and willfully—
> (1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact;
> (2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or
> (3) makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry;
Of course the TSA is not so unsubtle as to actually hit you with a wrench, but they have other ways of making your life miserable.
Maybe I’m being obtuse but can you explain how it protects against a wrench attack?
So maybe one of these instead:
https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-microSDXC-Adapter-MB-MC256GA-...
I guess it depends on your definition of "trivial", but I wouldn't want to bet my privacy on the TSA's inability to locate a hidden partition any more than I would want to bet it on their basic honesty and respect for my Constitutional rights.
Giving up your phone also means they get a complete copy of your email.
If you use a VPN to access company servers they will swoop up that information as well, and by extension all server side data your VPN credentials Grant access.
They may not be doing all that, but it's only a matter of time and knowledge given their lack of constraints.
The advice I hear for international travelers is disk encryption + FedEx'ing your laptop to its destination.
Even hidden volumes in encrypted partitions? Has that feature of VeraCrypt been cracked?
The only safe assumption is the worst case.
Just make sure you have Auto Call off in Settings > Emergency SOS, or it'll automatically dial 911.
Also, you can have a digit pin code longer than 6 digits by using a passphrase with only digits.
Are you trying to bring 3 phones, 2 laptops, a tablet, 4 chargers, and assorted other electronics with you? Be prepared for the long arm to reach into your life because you're attracting suspicion. You would be attracting suspicion even without the current political climate, because that much equipment is outside the bounds of normal for your average traveller.
Be an average traveller and no one will give you a second glance.
Ah, you know what, I get it. They want to bring back the 90's cryptowars. They will lose again.
In other words, stop flying completely. Because with that reaction, you're not getting in the plane.
It's not good advice if you are an individual who just wants to avoid the inside of a prison cell, and it's definitely dangerous, but I'd still admire anyone with the strength of character to follow through with it.
It's also terrible advice in countries where the preferred solution is simply to murder loud activists. At least you can theoretically be released from prison.
I'm less sure about an individual reading that advice and swearing at a border guard. Both Ghandi and MLK used mass resistance to achieve their ends.
If you're an American returning from abroad, my understanding is the most they can do is detain you (briefly) and confiscate your electronic devices for a limited period of time. Americans can't be denied re-entry to the US. So go ahead and refuse as a political statement, the worst that could happen is you'll miss your connection and you'll have to use a temporary phone for a bit.
But if you're a foreign citizen, it's probably best to swallow your pride and comply.
Detentions have lasted more than 24 hours though, sometimes for days:
"Median Number of Hours Individuals Were Held in Detention, by Sector"