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Topic: Question for Wiz |
Al Capoldo
From:
Manitowoc, Wi. org. Fl & CT.,
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Posted 18 Feb 2010 9:18 am |
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I'm planning a trip to Australia and was wondering if you know of any problems anyone has had with their laptops and the stored information. Should I back up my information on disks prior or would it be safe through security magnetic scanners. Also, do you see any danger of me losing information stored on the installation disks if I take them along. Thanks, Al.
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GFI SD-10, Peavey Nashville 112 |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 18 Feb 2010 10:10 am
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Since US Customs agents are allowed to seize laptops to investigate their contents, I strongly advise you to back up everything on it before you leave. I use Acronis True Image to make full images of everything on my PC.
Furthermore, if you are carrying software with you, make disk copies of them, in case they are seized or damaged.
Your Laptop will be X-rayed for sure. Assume nothing is safe. Do not use it for online banking, website management, or anything else mission critical, unless you are using a direct network cable connection to a router that is secured (firewalled) from outside hackers. Do not assume that any public Wi-Fi network is safe or secure.
If you think you will have to connect to wireless networks to do business on the road, at least secure the laptop with Trend Micro Internet Security <b>Pro</b>. The Pro version has additional layers of security for road warriors using Wi-Fi. It can block MITM attacks by encrypting all outgoing communications. Always assume that someone is snooping on a Wi-Fi connection. Ditto for motels with wireless Internet access.
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Al Capoldo
From:
Manitowoc, Wi. org. Fl & CT.,
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Posted 18 Feb 2010 3:05 pm Question for Wiz
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Thanks so much for your response. Unfortunately, we are not the most computer savvy people. I will need to do business, banking, etc. from Australia....This will be from a relatives home so I'm sure it is secured, so, my next question is how difficult are the steps you've provided; where to obtain; compapability, etc. We are leaving the US in 3 weeks!!! Any help would be much appreciated or do you recommend we visit a local computer geek?
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GFI SD-10, Peavey Nashville 112 |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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Posted 18 Feb 2010 3:29 pm Re: Question for Wiz
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| Al Capoldo wrote: |
Thanks so much for your response.
snip
We are leaving the US in 3 weeks!!! Any help would be much appreciated or do you recommend we visit a local computer geek? |
Al;
You could go to Bust Buy, or contact me via the Forum's PM or Email link to request personal assistance. Or, it could be hashed out here.
In a nutshell, here is what you need to do, prior to your departure.
- Backup everything on the PC, including software, licenses and activations (called disk imaging)
- Secure the laptop against spyware, keyloggers, Bots, Trojans and man in the middle router attacks
- Duplicate all disks you plan to take out of the country
- Keep a copy of your Windows Product Key at home
- Bring proof of ownership of the laptop and software with you
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog |
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Wiz Feinberg
From:
Mid-Michigan, USA
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