Just about a month ago I saw some comedian making fun of his neighbor on the plane when that got quite impatient when lost internet connection on the plane. Guy commented how things never available to us before become absolute necessesities and that we are no longer amazed at being up in the air and flying, but demand more and more. That was funny at the time.
Now, I noticed some Greyhound buses in US having different color scheme painted outside. It was explained that those actually have wireless connectivity on them. Great!
Not being addicted I can certainly live without being always connected. But sometimes, it is useful to catch up on things while in motion. Hey, I'm not driving, so nothing wrong with that.
Having experienced luxury of connectivity in motion, I already kinda expected that. I took my computer along almost just for that, there was no other immediate need. This time I got on the bus, got connected to the network and was happy to ride. Only to lose that connection once bus pulled out. The network was not on a bus, but at the terminal.
Sometimes our eagerness to multi-task and be overly productive is based on expectations.
Well, was not a problem for me in this case; I got a book to read and had a chance to finish it.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Bus travel
Sometimes I stand up for my rights and/or believes. Sometimes I don't bother. Why so?
It might be not worth it, no time for it, or simply being lazy.
Traveling by bus, when purchasing tickets cashiers casually, yet all the time, are asking "What's your name?" No, they are not being nice, trying to get acquianted, or even hitting on me. They enter that into the computer (think - database) and it actually does appear on the ticket itself.
One will readily argue that it's good safety check as if I were to lose the ticket... then what? yes, it has my name on it, so whoever finds it will know where I was intending to go.
But that's it. Where's that safety? They don't check names neither when selling tickets, nor at boarding. And if I were to go back to cashier and tell her that I lost the ticket I seriously doubt there will be much recourse. What are they going to do? - put a freeze on the bus ticket?
Oh, yeah, and please do not suggest to anyone checking ids for bus travel. It's bad enough we are stuck with all these with air travel. Some of you might still remember when air tickets were not so tied to your names/personas.
It might be not worth it, no time for it, or simply being lazy.
Traveling by bus, when purchasing tickets cashiers casually, yet all the time, are asking "What's your name?" No, they are not being nice, trying to get acquianted, or even hitting on me. They enter that into the computer (think - database) and it actually does appear on the ticket itself.
One will readily argue that it's good safety check as if I were to lose the ticket... then what? yes, it has my name on it, so whoever finds it will know where I was intending to go.
But that's it. Where's that safety? They don't check names neither when selling tickets, nor at boarding. And if I were to go back to cashier and tell her that I lost the ticket I seriously doubt there will be much recourse. What are they going to do? - put a freeze on the bus ticket?
Oh, yeah, and please do not suggest to anyone checking ids for bus travel. It's bad enough we are stuck with all these with air travel. Some of you might still remember when air tickets were not so tied to your names/personas.
Travel
As the readers are probably aware by now, I do consulting, that's my business.
Privacy and security consulting, as any other kind, encompasses various tasks and activities. There is learning and doing, research and consulting itself, or dealing with and helping clients. While some of these tasks are accomplished using technology, some still require travel and physical presence.
I do travel by all the available means; from trains and buses to planes and cars. Won't mention more exotic means of transportation here.
While traveling one tends to see places and watch people, observe things outside of one locale. Great opportunity to learn!
Needless to say, people in big cities are less approachable and welcoming than, say, in the country. That is not to say that they are more on guard. If folks outside of big metro areas probably won't readily chit-chat with you or introduce themselves, the rest most likely will. But these same people will be walking or standing next to you wearing some sort of id right there, with all the variety of information - picture, full name, company name and who knows what else! So, no, they don't talk to strangers, they just silently give them all the info.
Now, some might not see huge problem with others knowing your name. Maybe not, unless those are good at social engineering and can elicit the rest of information. And that could be by either going direct route - from you, or just searching for every other bit - address, car, family, income, etc.
Where was I going with this? Just because you think you are "on guard" and don't tell anyone anything, don't assume you are not displaying any information.
And, once we are on the topic of travel, those luggage tags pretty much just yell out advertisement to thieves "if you like what you find inside, there is more at this address. And if you don't want to come twice, please call the number to make sure nobody's home!!"
Privacy and security consulting, as any other kind, encompasses various tasks and activities. There is learning and doing, research and consulting itself, or dealing with and helping clients. While some of these tasks are accomplished using technology, some still require travel and physical presence.
I do travel by all the available means; from trains and buses to planes and cars. Won't mention more exotic means of transportation here.
While traveling one tends to see places and watch people, observe things outside of one locale. Great opportunity to learn!
Needless to say, people in big cities are less approachable and welcoming than, say, in the country. That is not to say that they are more on guard. If folks outside of big metro areas probably won't readily chit-chat with you or introduce themselves, the rest most likely will. But these same people will be walking or standing next to you wearing some sort of id right there, with all the variety of information - picture, full name, company name and who knows what else! So, no, they don't talk to strangers, they just silently give them all the info.
Now, some might not see huge problem with others knowing your name. Maybe not, unless those are good at social engineering and can elicit the rest of information. And that could be by either going direct route - from you, or just searching for every other bit - address, car, family, income, etc.
Where was I going with this? Just because you think you are "on guard" and don't tell anyone anything, don't assume you are not displaying any information.
And, once we are on the topic of travel, those luggage tags pretty much just yell out advertisement to thieves "if you like what you find inside, there is more at this address. And if you don't want to come twice, please call the number to make sure nobody's home!!"
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Border crossing, Part 2 Canada -> US
From what I understand country of your origin/citizenship can not deny you entry. But it can sure make a hell out of such welcome. Usually, I got some kick when flying back in, when an officer would not crack a half of smile, always ask where and for how long you've been and overall would not make your coming back much welcome.
This time was different. I was coming by car and from Canada. Technically, I was out less than 48 hours. So sure, my country did not miss me much.
In hope of making things a bit easier crossing the border back, I chose different, less busy crossing and again was going in not-so-busy time.
But those exact factors stacked against me. Officers' logic is reversed. Just because I chose their crossing (which still had huge lines of cars going into Canada, hence not completely unknown to others), I must be at fault.
Oh, yeah, and that stamp from Canada entry was probably not working in my favor. After all, Americans don't need visas or stamps to go to Canada (yet).
Here, I was told to leave the car and keys by the crossing booth (looks like toll collector's) and to proceed inside. There we've gone through a lot of questioning again.
Asking similar questions as before (see Part 1), including where and who I live with and favorite money questions.
So, while one officer took my car for inspection and disassembly - yes, he drove that away and went through it without me being present or any other witnesses. Without seeking or obtaining my consent, either. The other officer in the meantime was working on me.
Trying to be my buddy he asked me have I crossed this border in certain years and have I ever used this particular crossing. I did not and told him so.
For reason not exactly clear to me, this officer (they never go into trouble of identifying themselves), told me that it's quite opposite and that I'm not doing too well. Why would he persistently lie to me??? (I asked him few more times if he was sure.)
Being still my "buddy", he said that I was not doing good so far, but he'll give me one more chance - was there anything in the car - weapons, drugs, money! - that I wanted to tell him before they found themselves. I'm not a smuggler, but I can have some money occasionally even forgotten, so I had to think. Anyway, I had none.
When the first one came back, second one (buddy) stepped out, so this one had not much to do. But he could not just hang around, so he ordered me to "dump" my pockets out. Again, we went through all the contents, counted every single dollar bill, and gone through why is it that I'm carrying cash on me.
When the second one came back he proceeded to enter extensive notes into the computer.
Oh, the funny thing is that when I told them that I got stopped going to Canada, "buddy" asked me for what reason. To which I honestly answered "you guys never tell". He disagreed. So, when it was all over and he went to show me where my car was I asked him what was the reason they stopped me - he said that they "are trained and that the officer felt like I had to be checked". So I summarized, feeling was the reason.
P.S. I was not comfortable anyone looking through my belonging and my car, including driving it. Did not think as much of it until my car thoroughly inspected by experienced mechanics lost all the power and stopped in the middle of highway in the middle of night!
Perhaps, officers wanted to give me one more reason to carry sufficient amount of cash, as it certainly became necessary and handy in that situation.
This time was different. I was coming by car and from Canada. Technically, I was out less than 48 hours. So sure, my country did not miss me much.
In hope of making things a bit easier crossing the border back, I chose different, less busy crossing and again was going in not-so-busy time.
But those exact factors stacked against me. Officers' logic is reversed. Just because I chose their crossing (which still had huge lines of cars going into Canada, hence not completely unknown to others), I must be at fault.
Oh, yeah, and that stamp from Canada entry was probably not working in my favor. After all, Americans don't need visas or stamps to go to Canada (yet).
Here, I was told to leave the car and keys by the crossing booth (looks like toll collector's) and to proceed inside. There we've gone through a lot of questioning again.
Asking similar questions as before (see Part 1), including where and who I live with and favorite money questions.
So, while one officer took my car for inspection and disassembly - yes, he drove that away and went through it without me being present or any other witnesses. Without seeking or obtaining my consent, either. The other officer in the meantime was working on me.
Trying to be my buddy he asked me have I crossed this border in certain years and have I ever used this particular crossing. I did not and told him so.
For reason not exactly clear to me, this officer (they never go into trouble of identifying themselves), told me that it's quite opposite and that I'm not doing too well. Why would he persistently lie to me??? (I asked him few more times if he was sure.)
Being still my "buddy", he said that I was not doing good so far, but he'll give me one more chance - was there anything in the car - weapons, drugs, money! - that I wanted to tell him before they found themselves. I'm not a smuggler, but I can have some money occasionally even forgotten, so I had to think. Anyway, I had none.
When the first one came back, second one (buddy) stepped out, so this one had not much to do. But he could not just hang around, so he ordered me to "dump" my pockets out. Again, we went through all the contents, counted every single dollar bill, and gone through why is it that I'm carrying cash on me.
When the second one came back he proceeded to enter extensive notes into the computer.
Oh, the funny thing is that when I told them that I got stopped going to Canada, "buddy" asked me for what reason. To which I honestly answered "you guys never tell". He disagreed. So, when it was all over and he went to show me where my car was I asked him what was the reason they stopped me - he said that they "are trained and that the officer felt like I had to be checked". So I summarized, feeling was the reason.
P.S. I was not comfortable anyone looking through my belonging and my car, including driving it. Did not think as much of it until my car thoroughly inspected by experienced mechanics lost all the power and stopped in the middle of highway in the middle of night!
Perhaps, officers wanted to give me one more reason to carry sufficient amount of cash, as it certainly became necessary and handy in that situation.
Border crossing, Part 1 US -> Canada
To me, it's personally amazing than more friendlier the country, more problems there are crossing the border. By friendly I don't mean happy and "careless", like Mexico - no offense, people view Mexico and its inhabitants as easy-going.
No, I mean countries we have good relationships with.
Alas, I'm talking about Canada here. I was crossing US-Canadian border by car. To avoid huge delays, I got there around 6am. Big mistake!!! No delays meant that border patrol, whatever the proper name for that Law Enforcement agency is, was not actually busy, but had to be. Hence, very invasive and thorough search.
That included: taking the car apart, using special tools to look through and literally disassemblying some parts, going through all belongings - from clothes to all the documents to cards, cash and ids. Canadians went to check my auto registration. I was asked a lot of various and rather invasive questions - from normal where I'm going and for how long to why my car is registered in certain state, which countries (!) I have bank accounts in.
I was asked how much money I had number of times. Then it was counted. Then I was asked why I need so much (!?) cash. Was even asked if I'm planning to invest in Canada. Like if that's something they seriously discourage.
My fault was that I got there when they got some time on the hands to kill. And that I was in Canada just recently.
The message I got that Canada does not welcome US citizens, especially often and with money.
I also got official paper stapled into my US passport allowing me to stay in Canada for three days and not allowing to engage in either work, or studying of any sort. I was given the date by which I had to exit the country and the paper was to be surrendered on exit so to prove that I did not overstay my welcome at our friendly northern neighbor.
I remember the times when DL and a smile was enough to go north, but now... "go south, it's peaceful there"!
P.S. Heard many stories from people who when faced with requirement of submitting fingerprints to be considered for entry to US chose otherwise and went to visit and spend their time and money somewhere else. Now I see that Canada is not much behind.
Au contraire, traveling to other, more dangerous countries, provided with much eaiser and friendlier greeting both at border and by people within.
No, I mean countries we have good relationships with.
Alas, I'm talking about Canada here. I was crossing US-Canadian border by car. To avoid huge delays, I got there around 6am. Big mistake!!! No delays meant that border patrol, whatever the proper name for that Law Enforcement agency is, was not actually busy, but had to be. Hence, very invasive and thorough search.
That included: taking the car apart, using special tools to look through and literally disassemblying some parts, going through all belongings - from clothes to all the documents to cards, cash and ids. Canadians went to check my auto registration. I was asked a lot of various and rather invasive questions - from normal where I'm going and for how long to why my car is registered in certain state, which countries (!) I have bank accounts in.
I was asked how much money I had number of times. Then it was counted. Then I was asked why I need so much (!?) cash. Was even asked if I'm planning to invest in Canada. Like if that's something they seriously discourage.
My fault was that I got there when they got some time on the hands to kill. And that I was in Canada just recently.
The message I got that Canada does not welcome US citizens, especially often and with money.
I also got official paper stapled into my US passport allowing me to stay in Canada for three days and not allowing to engage in either work, or studying of any sort. I was given the date by which I had to exit the country and the paper was to be surrendered on exit so to prove that I did not overstay my welcome at our friendly northern neighbor.
I remember the times when DL and a smile was enough to go north, but now... "go south, it's peaceful there"!
P.S. Heard many stories from people who when faced with requirement of submitting fingerprints to be considered for entry to US chose otherwise and went to visit and spend their time and money somewhere else. Now I see that Canada is not much behind.
Au contraire, traveling to other, more dangerous countries, provided with much eaiser and friendlier greeting both at border and by people within.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Searches, warrants, and privacy
True, by law authorities need search warrant in order to thoroughly examine your property.
However, if law enforcement officer is able to view contraband or evidence on your property without entering it, no search has been conducted. To broaden the scope, police are allowed to close enough to overhear you conversations or to take aerial photographs - all those are not searches.
In short, if it's seen or heard, that's not a search and no warrant is needed.
Are we protected at all? We won't be delving into 4th Amendment to US Constitution here.
The important aspect to understand here is "reasonable expectation of privacy".
Doing something in public, on the street, placing items on the dashboard of the car or in plain view inside, failing to use blinds to cover windows - those eliminate such expectation and provide others with right to peek. By contrast, placing items in glove compartment or locked trunk, fences them against just peeking. In order to get to those, one would need search warrant.
Actually, not always, either. One's consent will do in most cases. So, when you consent to the search (of your vehicle, for example), you authorize such search and eliminate the need for warrant. Be careful what you consent to even if all it takes is a nod.
Reasonableness of privacy is something looked upon when search warrants are given. Not all public places are non-private, as well as not all personal private places can enjoy privacy. Just one more example, to record video in public restroom warrant is needed (expected privacy), but your unfenced front-yard is open for anyone to look at and record at leisure.
Think of "reasonable expectations of privacy", searches, and consenting to those.
However, if law enforcement officer is able to view contraband or evidence on your property without entering it, no search has been conducted. To broaden the scope, police are allowed to close enough to overhear you conversations or to take aerial photographs - all those are not searches.
In short, if it's seen or heard, that's not a search and no warrant is needed.
Are we protected at all? We won't be delving into 4th Amendment to US Constitution here.
The important aspect to understand here is "reasonable expectation of privacy".
Doing something in public, on the street, placing items on the dashboard of the car or in plain view inside, failing to use blinds to cover windows - those eliminate such expectation and provide others with right to peek. By contrast, placing items in glove compartment or locked trunk, fences them against just peeking. In order to get to those, one would need search warrant.
Actually, not always, either. One's consent will do in most cases. So, when you consent to the search (of your vehicle, for example), you authorize such search and eliminate the need for warrant. Be careful what you consent to even if all it takes is a nod.
Reasonableness of privacy is something looked upon when search warrants are given. Not all public places are non-private, as well as not all personal private places can enjoy privacy. Just one more example, to record video in public restroom warrant is needed (expected privacy), but your unfenced front-yard is open for anyone to look at and record at leisure.
Think of "reasonable expectations of privacy", searches, and consenting to those.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Who do we trust?
US Government is huge and composed of so many different agencies.
Not all government employees are uniformed. But won't you think that those that are, especially dealing with protection and security, are to be trusted completely?
Well, think again. Federal Computer Week reports on survey conducted by Ponemon Institute.
You can see article here.
Not all government employees are uniformed. But won't you think that those that are, especially dealing with protection and security, are to be trusted completely?
Well, think again. Federal Computer Week reports on survey conducted by Ponemon Institute.
You can see article here.
Whose trash is that
At last I'm jumping on the blogging bandwagon to join all the rest of people here.
Will just start by small revelation I recently had.
Yes, it's coming from legal area, from court decision to be exact. And yes, it's about garbage, trash, refuse.
Is your trash private? Is it valuable? How does it belong to and who has rights to it?
In California v. Greenwood the Supreme Court of US ruled that once your trash is placed out for disposal it is no longer protected by 4th Amendment. Hence, you have no rights to it; it becomes public property, up for anyone to do whatever they please.
Short version
Legal version of the case
Now, what are the implications? Sure, you are not drug dealer.
So you think your trash can not tell a story about you? Like what medicine you're taking, credit cards you're using, magazines you're reading, drinks you favor, etc.
Think of it next time you discard your garbage.
Will just start by small revelation I recently had.
Yes, it's coming from legal area, from court decision to be exact. And yes, it's about garbage, trash, refuse.
Is your trash private? Is it valuable? How does it belong to and who has rights to it?
In California v. Greenwood the Supreme Court of US ruled that once your trash is placed out for disposal it is no longer protected by 4th Amendment. Hence, you have no rights to it; it becomes public property, up for anyone to do whatever they please.
Short version
Legal version of the case
Now, what are the implications? Sure, you are not drug dealer.
So you think your trash can not tell a story about you? Like what medicine you're taking, credit cards you're using, magazines you're reading, drinks you favor, etc.
Think of it next time you discard your garbage.
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