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I have. However, my fear is that it will either not work when it's needed, or that they may have some manner of technology that allows them to scan for such thi

I have. However, my fear is that it will either not work when it's needed, or that they may have some manner of technology that allows them to scan for such things, or possibly the footprints left behind by such software, or logging them into an OS that looks like a fresh install might be enough to illicit some suspicion. Politely declining to share your password is within your rights at the US border. However, giving them a "fake" password seems like it may be a crime. And even if it's not, it will certainly get you detained and your laptop taken. Thankfully, I don't need my laptop that much when traveling overseas and my stupid non-global Verizon phone won't work anyway. Much safer to leave it behind.

rosser 13y ago
You aren't giving them a "fake" password, you're just not giving them all of your passwords.
- TheCraiggers 13y ago
  The point is you might still be considered to be interfering with the investigation, should they find out. Everything I've ever read about topic stresses that you should be absolutely truthful with a border officer. At least in the US, lying to one is a serious offense. Your post encourages hiding behind semantics and technicalities- and while those might save you in a courtroom (if you have a good lawyer), they won't save you when you're face to face with an angry border agent who just discovered your ruse. Again, this is why I don't use this method. It didn't work on my parents when I was a kid, and I don't think it will work in this case either.
ensignavenger 13y ago
I understand- the software behind hidden volumes is relatively new. I think this is an area the open source/security community should really put some effort behind. It is recommended that you use the regular non-hidden volume OS for trivial tasks frequently to make it a normal OS. If you do this, you are giving them your password. You just use a differnet password and a hidden volume for all of your private stuff. Leaving it behind works as well, if that is acceptable to you! And is probably the most secure thing. :)

rosser 13y ago

You aren't giving them a "fake" password, you're just not giving them all of your passwords.

TheCraiggers 13y ago
The point is you might still be considered to be interfering with the investigation, should they find out. Everything I've ever read about topic stresses that you should be absolutely truthful with a border officer. At least in the US, lying to one is a serious offense. Your post encourages hiding behind semantics and technicalities- and while those might save you in a courtroom (if you have a good lawyer), they won't save you when you're face to face with an angry border agent who just discovered your ruse. Again, this is why I don't use this method. It didn't work on my parents when I was a kid, and I don't think it will work in this case either.

ensignavenger 13y ago

I understand- the software behind hidden volumes is relatively new. I think this is an area the open source/security community should really put some effort behind. It is recommended that you use the regular non-hidden volume OS for trivial tasks frequently to make it a normal OS. If you do this, you are giving them your password. You just use a differnet password and a hidden volume for all of your private stuff. Leaving it behind works as well, if that is acceptable to you! And is probably the most secure thing. :)