In late July, AAUP Local 6471 / AFT partnered with the Democracy Security Project to provide member training on how to protect yourself and your data while traveling, especially abroad, including from TSA and USCIS.
You can find full notes here. Some highlights below.
- International Travel
- Do not use biometrics to unlock any electronic device (e.g. phones, tablets, laptops). In the US, a warrant is required to request unlocking a device with a password. Not such thing for biometrics. (This applies to US citizens and varies by district for other statuses).
- Turn all devices off until you cross through the border entirely (e.g. TSA, customs).
- Minimize data on your phone. Back up your device and delete anything you don’t want TSA to see. (You may choose to factory reset). Reload device after you have crossed through the border.
- You can refuse a search (if you are a US citizen). If you do, TSA will almost certainly confiscate your device to inconvenience you. Refusing a search is not sufficient grounds for getting a warrant. If they can’t get a warrant they must return the device.
- Cybersecurity: Data Privacy
- Use different and strong passwords (password manager, e.g. One Password) and two-factor authentication (send to phone, authenticator app, or physical authenticator device (strongest)) for all log-ins and devices (personal and work)
- Delete Orphan apps and accounts
- First delete account and then delete the app
- They collect passive data a present a security risk.
- Limit access to personal information
- Consider your public presence online: Google yourself to determine your risk profile.
- Social Media: Think about social media broadly ( e.g. Venmo, Letterbox, Yelp, Goodreads, Pinterest also count as social media). Set all “secondary” social mediato private.
- Stop following people who aren’t really friends or family.
- Divide work/public social media and personal social media.
- “Hibernate” your LinkedIn: it is being used by the current government to target its ideological “enemies.”
- Disable Meta product connections and tracking (e.g. Facebook, Instagram and Meta Tracking.
- Photos: Do you need post photos in the moment? These are geolocators and ways to track down your networks.
- Consider how you post other people’s images (e.g. your kids “back to school” photo tells people where your kid attends school)
- Ask others not to post about you.
- Disable location tracking on phone in apps, photos, camera, microphone and contacts
- Consider using Delete Me, Kanary, Incogni, Privacy Bee to manage your online information.