Re: Laptop service and hidden Linux

On Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 01:02:26PM -0600, Glenn Chubak wrote:
>
> > They are true, but not that common otherwise I think we'd here more
> > stink about it. I've only heard it happening while entering Canada,
> > not the U.S. A family friend, on return from the U.S. had his Mac
> > laptop thoroughly scoured for 2+ hours, presumably for child porn.
>
> I travelled quite a bit last summer with my laptop and no trouble at all. My
> supervisor here at the university does an international trip about every
> second month for the last 3 years or so and he always has a his Linux laptop
> along. Never a problem there either.
>
> On another note I recently got picked out of the lineup for a pat down. I
> always seem to be the guy picked (must have that look). So before starting
> the process I took my coat off and set it down (actually I threw it because I
> was upset). They never even looked at it. If the idea was to find something
> transparent to the normal detectors doesn't it seem reasonable to look at my
> coat?

Two words from the wise Bruce Schneier ... "security theatre".

For the most part, the screeners are just drones following a script. There
is no reward for catching a legitimate suspect and penalty for not following
the prescribed screening process.

Seeing you (or anyone) being hastled makes the other passengers feel that
the screening process is making them safer and compacent with respect to
the erosion of their personal freedom. Don't take it too personal, it's
like a vending machine stealing your money. Generally the screeners aren't
out to give anyone a hard time.

On the other hand, the immigration agents are much better trained and are
looking for suspicious behavior and responses. They'll give someone extra
scrutiny (2 hour inspection of a computer) if the person said or did
something to make them suspicious.
Received on Tue Jan 30 13:35:22 2007