The article is divided into three threat levels and an introduction with some interesting background information and links. The first threat level mentions data encryption and certain aspects that have to be taken care of. It mentions for instance the fact that it is possible to read the contents of the RAM if the laptop is or has been powered on shortly before entering customs. It also advices to delete all temporary data on the system like browser cache, cookies and so forth.

Lastly it mentions the possibility that spyware could be installed on the computer while it is kept by the federal agents. The next step would be a full encryption of the system which has the advantage that everything is encrypted meaning no one can access it by simply plugging in the laptop’s hard drive into another computer. This could, on the other hand, make border agents suspicious because they might think you are hiding information that they are after.

The last threat level mentions steganophy which means hiding data in other data, for example an important text document in a music track. It also refers to the use of encrypted containers on encrypted partitions. It also mentions electronically sending the data once you reached your destination or storing it on smaller memory cards that are placed in devices that do not look suspicious.

The best solution in my opinion is the secure transfer of data. This ensures that nothing can be found on the laptop that could arouse suspicion It would also mean that the traveler does not have to lie if someone asks questions about the contents of the laptop.

Others suggested sending the data by overnight shipping which still leaves the chance that the package will be intercepted and analysed but has the advantage that the user cannot be questioned for the password of the (hopefully) encrypted drive.

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While the latter can be countered by locking the account the first fear can’t. A notebook can always be grabbed and taken away if you are not near it. Laptop Alarm tries to counter this by sounding an alarm whenever one of the following things happen:

• A/C Power Removal
• Mouse Removal
• Mouse Movement
• Shutdown / Suspend

This is of course not a perfect solution but it does give everyone near it a audible sign that something is wrong. If you are within hearing range you can react fast and rush to the place where you left your notebook.

Thieves will probably be disturbed by the sound and leave without taking the notebook. Laptop Alarm does not only play a sound but locks the laptop with a password as well. That means that a intruder has only the option to either enter the password, close the notebook or remove the A/C Power. If he moves the mouse doing so the alarm will go off.

The only difficulty that I see is that it does not go off if the notebook is closed first. Closing the notebook does not trigger the alarm at all. The notebook is still protected by the password of Laptop Alarm when opened again but you don’t get the alarm when needed.

I would say it is probably okay to run it as another measure to protect your notebook but it is not a perfect solution either. I prefer to be on the safe side and never leave my notebook out of sight.

Read More:

Laptop Alarm

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