Privacy Considerations When Traveling with Devices
As privacy and digital rights experts weigh in on the best practices for maintaining security while traveling, a growing consensus favors creating a travel device from the ground up. However, industry advocates caution that an overly pristine device may raise suspicion among authorities, complicating travel experiences.
Matt Mitchell, the founder of CryptoHarlem—a nonprofit focused on security and privacy training—emphasizes the necessity of "seeding" the travel device. He advises users to engage with the phone for a short period, such as a day or even just a few hours, to avoid drawing unwarranted attention. "It cannot be too clean," Mitchell explains. He suggests establishing a separate social media presence, or "finsta," specifically for travel to provide a plausible background if inquiries arise. This way, users can present a multifaceted digital footprint that appears more authentic.
Further elaborating on the concept of burner phones, Cyr, a representative from Amnesty International, points out that a genuine burner device often lacks the capabilities necessary for encrypted communication. "The real advantage of smartphones lies in their potential for secure, encrypted communication," he notes. Cyr stresses that any communication not encrypted is inherently less secure than messages sent via an application such as Signal.
In constructing a travel device, it is important to avoid using a personal phone number directly associated with essential digital accounts. Instead, travelers are advised to consider obtaining a SIM card for their trip or to utilize the device solely over Wi-Fi networks. This precaution helps mitigate risks associated with exposure of sensitive accounts during border crossings.
For those opting to modify their primary smartphones for travel, a thorough clean-up is recommended. This involves deleting any sensitive photos or messages and purging nonessential applications. Users should consider logging out of personal accounts and accessing only travel-specific accounts during their trip.
Mohammed Al-Maskati, director of the digital security helpline at Access Now, underlines the importance of proactive device management before travel. He encourages users to evaluate which applications are necessary for their journey, advising the removal of those that pose a risk, including dating applications and any that relate to sensitive communities, particularly for individuals likely to face scrutiny.
Utilizing one’s own phone as a travel device could also be a viable strategy. Users might back up their current data, perform a system wipe, and reinstall only the applications essential for their journey. While this method can bolster security, it is time-consuming and introduces potential pitfalls such as oversight in app deletion, which could lead to inadvertent exposure of sensitive data. Messaging applications, for instance, often retain extensive archives that could unwittingly reveal personal information.
As travelers balance the benefits of mobile connectivity with security considerations, they should remain mindful of the potential for device searches during their journeys. Taxonomies from the MITRE ATT&CK framework highlight relevant adversary tactics—such as initial access, persistence, and privilege escalation—which can occur during such security checks. Understanding these concepts helps users prepare for potential challenges while safeguarding their digital privacy in foreign environments.
