COMDEX bans bags, laptops; requires ID at all times

[InfoSec News <isn () c4i org>]

Forwarded from: Jay D. Dyson <jdyson () treachery net>

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I imagine this will kill attendance to COMDEX.  If I'd been even remotely
interested earlier, I'm definitely turned off now.

Security is one thing.  Overreacting is another.  Score one for al Qaeda.

(Thanks to Rick Forno for passing this along.)

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For the complete announcement, see

http://www.key3media.com/comdex/fall2001/security.html


In the wake of the 9-11 attacks, extreme paranoia appears to have gripped
the organizers of the annual COMDEX Fall computer trade show. 

According to an "official statement"  on the COMDEX Web site, bags of any
kind will not be allowed onto the show floor, and purses and waist packs
will be searched. (The organizers, alas, fail to mention what these may or
may not contain. Would a Leatherman tool, screwdriver, pocket knife, or
nail file be prohibited, lest someone attempt to perform a hijacking of
the Convention Center?) 

The real shocker, however, is that laptop computers -- a vital tool of the
trade for computer users, dealers, and others who are likely to attend the
show -- will be prohibited anywhere within the Convention Center. Since
the show itself is ABOUT computers, and attendees will undoubtedly need to
use them for everything from taking notes to fetching e-mail to placing
orders, many potential attendees who hear about the ban are likely to
cancel their trips and stay home. (Even before the security announcement,
attendance was already projected to be down at least 25% from last year --
so much so that the convention will not use the Sands Convention Center
site as it has in previous years.) 

Alas, most of those arriving in Vegas for the show probably will not know
of the restrictions, which were only recently posted to the COMDEX Web
site. Therefore, thousands who arrive at the Las Vegas Convention Center
- -- with the reasonable expectation that they will be able to carry
computers at a computer show -- will be turned away. What's more, the
organizers have stated that they have made no provisions for attendees to
check laptops at the Convention Center. Thus, frustrated convention-goers
will have to wait on long cab or bus lines to return to their hotels,
which may or may not be willing to store laptops behind the front desk. 
(Given the high likelihood that a laptop computer will be stolen if it is
left at a Las Vegas hotel, it is unwise to leave it in one's room.) 
Attendees whose laptops contain valuable or proprietary information, or
are important to their ability to conduct business, may simply depart
without entering the show. It is likewise unclear how speakers who expect
to deliver their presentations from laptops will be able to do so. 

Even those who are not carrying contraband may experience long delays. All
are expected to carry identification at all times. Attendees are further
warned to expect airport-like delays when entering the convention and to
allow extra time to pass security checkpoints. "If you have meetings,
appointments, or conference sessions to attend," the site warns, "please
arrive as early as possible. It may take longer than usual to enter the
property this year due to increased security measures." 

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  (    (                                                         _______
  ))   ))  .--"There's always time for a good cup of coffee."--.  >====<--.
C|~~|C|~~|(>------- Jay D. Dyson - jdyson () treachery net -------<)|    = |-'
 `--' `--' `-I love peace.  That's why I want terrorists dead.-' `------'

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