Bruce Schneier on security theater
by Volker Weber
Hours-long waits in the security line. Ridiculous prohibitions on what you can carry onboard. Last week's foiling of a major terrorist plot and the subsequent airport security graphically illustrates the difference between effective security and security theater.
The chance of losing your luggage if going through Heathrow is now higher than ever. And since you have to check your notebook, your camera and your phone, and you must not lock your suitcase, chances are pretty good that you can kiss them goodbye. These items are not covered in case they are lost or stolen. Been there, done that.
Comments
Maybe one should buy some stocks of these?
Essentialy this is mandatory now for someone carrying confidential material.
The cheapest solution is to go for web-based solutions. You can get access to a computer easily on site. If security is an issues, think of VPN and thin-client solutions.
If money is less of an issue, just buy a new machine at every destination.
If you have money for spare machines, buy a few and send one ahead per destination. The smaller the more practical. ("Hi, has my MacBook arrived?")
Rugged computing devices will be in demand, for check-in or Fed-Exing. (MacRug / RugBook / Lenovo buys Panasonic Toughbook division, notebook reviews include Heathrow luggage test drive ;-)
Sharing computing devices will become a logistical task for corporations.
Since 9/11 I've been using standard cable binders to 'lock' my luggage. It's not perfect, but it makes it much more inconvinient for 'casual' thiefs from simply/quickly opening the luggage, and the security folks don't have a problem with it as they can easily cut it if deemed neccessary. So far the binders have never been cut by anyone other than myself, so it seems to work OK for me.
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