US enhanced airport security checks target electronics

[Odinn Cyberguerrilla]

Ahhh. The smell of fresh lawsuits in the morning.

> http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28185149
>
> """
> US enhanced airport security checks target electronics in latest
> stretch for Total Information Awareness
>  - not by the BBC 6 July 2014 Last updated at 28:45 GMT
>
>
> Frustrated by technically savvy privacy extremists using encryption to
> protect confidentiality of their data, the United States is preparing
> a particularly clever ruse to rummage through your digital detritus.
>
> The US announced new security measures last week, apparently in
> response to a terror threat, but gave hints that multiple privacy
> enhancing technology conferences  occurring this summer were of the
> utmost interest.
>
> Analysts say the changes have been couched in a conceit made to appear
> to be in response to intelligence that Islamic militants in Syria and
> Yemen developing bombs that could evade airport security.
>
> "It's really clever if you think about it.", one anonymous expert on
> the wiki explained. "First, they put the real terrorists on notice,
> adding to operational paranoia. But second, they get to enable every
> device crossing the border at their discretion with minimal concern!"
>
> When asked for comment, the National Security Agency replied they
> could 'neither confirm nor deny any knowledge of "mobile phones"'.
> [EDITORS' NOTE: The NSA asked us to use scare quotes and not normal
> quotes, yet in a brave show of defiance we stood up for our readership
> and refused. "" Take that NSA! With Love, The Editors.]
>
> "During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners
> power up some devices, including cell phones," it said. "All devices
> must be fully unlocked and past any full disk encryption
> authentication to properly test the battery."
>
> "Powerless devices will not be permitted on board the aircraft. The
> traveller may also undergo additional screening once the device is
> powered on and keyed up to be sure it is working correctly in
> CUSTOMS."
>
> Reuters news agency reported that officials had singled out mobile
> phones made by Apple and Samsung for extra checks. Apparently these
> devices are most often used by developers and other privacy
> extremists.
>
> More as this story develops. Back to you, Tom.
>