Curse of High Technology

The Threat of Terrorism Triggering Travelers' Tedious Technological Trip

... whatever happened to the good ol' days? ... tho' it was not hi-tech, at least there was less hassle when travelling...

**AIRPORT SECURITY ALERT – INFORMATION SECURITY**
Further to my Email yesterday the heightened state of alert to Critical at United Kingdom airports continues today. In the UK lengthy delays are still being experienced by departing travellers due to increased security screening procedures. Any staff member planning to travel out of the UK at the present time should carefully consider the need to travel while the heightened security alert is in place.
One requirement that is causing significant problems for travellers is the restriction on hand carry baggage being imposed on all flights out of the UK and on passengers transiting UK airports. Only very limited items are being allowed on board including a wallet, passport, ticket and prescription medication but no liquids, books, papers, magazines or any electronic items including mobile phones, lap top computers or Blackberrys. All these items must be stored in check in baggage which exposes them to the possibility of theft or damage.
To minimise the impact resulting from loss of data due to theft or damage and the possibility of confidential information being compromised staff needing to travel at the present time should consider the following advice:
Mobile Phones
1. All data stored in the mobile's flash memory should be transferred to the SIM card.
2. The SIM card can then be removed.
3. Where available password protection should be activated to further secure the device.
4. Store the SIM card in a safe place such as a wallet which can be carried on the aircraft (British Airways security have confirmed that SIM cards can be carried in wallets onto aircraft at the present time)
Blackberrys
1. A Blackberry should always have the password protection function turned on.
2. The SIM should be removed as mentioned above for mobile phones for added protection.
Laptops
1. At the present time laptops should not be taken by staff flying on flights affected by the hand baggage restrictions where possible and staff should look at making alternate arrangements at their destination for access to a computer or their Email.
2. If staff believe that it is essential that they take their laptop then they will need to ensure all data has been backed up and that the power on password feature has been activated. Staff should also advise their local security manager of their need to take their computer in checked baggage before travelling.
Confidential Papers
1. As all documents will need to be placed in checked luggage consider sensitivity of documents to be taken.
2. If confidential documents are required at your destination consider sending these by Email to a trusted recipient who can print these for you on arrival.

Group Head of Security