Leaving devices at home is the only secure way to prevent searches at US borders, a retired US CBP officer has said. Passengers including EU officials have been advised to use a temporary or “burner” phone can help minimise the data carried during travel.
Other solutions include encrypting data and uploading sensitive files to the cloud to enhance protection. Deleting social media apps prior to travel can prevent accidental exposure of cached data.
Powering off devices at the border and keeping them in airplane mode can limit access to stored information and means you do not accidentally re-download deleted apps.
The Canadian government shared “Before crossing the border, put your device in airplane mode to ensure remote files don’t get downloaded accidentally,”.
Mike Niezgoda retired US CBP officer shared. “It’s business as usual here. As long as you’ve got your documents, you’re fine.”
The EFF’s guide cautions “Lying to border agents can be a serious crime, and the agents may take a very broad view of what constitutes lying,”.
