On several occasions in the past, we’ve referenced Schneier on Security, Bruce Schneier’s blog. In a recent post, Schneier referred to an interesting social engineering hack to ensure extra care is given to your expensive electronic equipment.
One person puts a starter pistol into all of his expensive camera cases. A starter pistol is defined as a weapon and does not have to be registered in any of the fifty United States. When you check in a package with a weapon, it must be transported in a locked, hard case using a non-TSA approved lock. It is declared when you check in, screened by the TSA, and relocked in front of you. If it is a keyed lock, they will return your keys to you.
Now, the problem is this: Luggage isn’t secure. Even the most expensive baggage. The TSA even has been known to break their own approved locks, because they can’t be bothered to get the keys. In writing this piece, we have seriously reconsidered using combination locks on our luggage, and fully intend to research the range of TSA approved and non-approved locks for some recommendations for a future post.
Luggage theft is a chronic problem that many people experience, along with damaged and lost luggage. Many locks can be easilly broken, soft-sided suitcases can be sliced open with a sharp object, and hinges on hard suitcases can be cut. But…the harder it is to break into your suitcase, the less likely it will get broken into. Don’t call attention to your bag, don’t make it look valuable. If you have a hard case to protect some items, camoflauge it…place it inside a generic suitcase.
We’ll have more tips on luggage in the future.
