Increased Security A Threat To Laptops

[InfoSec News <isn () c4i org>]

http://www.newsbytes.com/news/01/172142.html

By Keith L Alexander, Washington Post
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A.,
14 Nov 2001, 7:07 AM CST
 
Sterling, Va. resident Richard Shapiro was flying United Airlines to
Missoula, Mont., with his Sony laptop computer when he encountered the
post-Sept. 11 security procedures at Dulles International Airport
regarding laptops.

Since the terrorist hijackings, travelers must remove laptops from
their cases and place the computers on the conveyer belts of X-ray
machines.

As his laptop rolled down the belt after being X-rayed, Shapiro
noticed that the plastic piece covering the printer's port had broken
off between the rollers that push items out of the X-ray machine.
Shapiro approached the head of Argenbright Security, which was running
the security checkpoint, and he asked to be compensated. Argenbright
referred him to United Airlines, which had hired the security firm and
is ultimately responsible for the security. Shapiro was still waiting
to hear back from United yesterday.

Several travel agents say clients also have complained to them of
laptop damage resulting from X-ray machines. Travel agent Penny
Hawkins of Lakes Area Travel Plus in West Bloomfield, Mich., said a
client had a similar experience with Continental Airlines.

A check indicates that airlines differ on how laptops are handled.

Continental said the security firm is liable.

United and US Airways said such damage is the carrier's
responsibility. "Anything that goes through the belts, there is a
possibility it could be damaged. If it's in our control, our customers
should contact United, and we would work it out with them," said
United spokesman Chris Brathwaite.

Brian Lott, spokesman for Argenbright Security, said the liability is
shared by the airlines and their security firms.

In the meantime, Lott and other airline experts offered suggestions
for minimizing minimize damage to laptops:

* Request a plastic tub or bin for your laptop before sending it
  through the X-ray machine. Most airports have these bins at security
  checkpoints.

* Place your laptop in the middle and toward the front of the belt so
  that it doesn't knock against the sides of the machine while passing
  through.

* Inscribe your name or tape your identification on your laptop, since
  there are so many black laptops out there.

* Place your laptop bag in front of your computer on the belt. Because
  there is a slope on the other side of the X-ray machine, your
  computer could slide and hit the metal or steel side of the
  belt. Your bag would then act as a cushion.



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