loner w/a boner Posted August 2, 2003 Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 I read a question similar to this some time ago. Couldn't find it on "search", so sorry to repeat it. With respect to Customs inspections: I have a 40 GIG hard disk drive wrapped in a static bag (no PC, just the one drive), that I want to bring from the US to BKK. I've got personal info on that disk, and would like to minimize the chances of customs, etc...snooping at my data. I don't have a utility that hides info (which would only work up to a point). The data was saved with Win 98, and the disk isn't bootable, (I booted from a different HDD, and just used this one for data storage.) Also, I don't want to burn all the data onto a DVD, wipe the hdd, and clandestinely place the DVD in with some of my music CDs. I was thinking of boxing the hard drive with packing material, and placing it "oh so" carefully in my luggage (I won't have carry-on), but when/if my bag is inspected, I'm wondering if they'll take a look at the data. Is it normal procedure to browse, inspect/scan such things for..whatever...state secrets, kiddie porn, bomb-making instructions, etc....or is it the norm to let it pass unless they inspector gets the "vibe"? Is a more feasable option to ship it from the US to BKK via UPS? Also...some bomb/contraband scanning equipment might damage my magnetic data......too, so what to do about that? Aside from leaving the HDD behind, any suggestions as to how best go about this? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
think_too_mut Posted August 2, 2003 Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 >Is it normal procedure to browse, inspect/scan such things for..whatever...state secrets, kiddie porn, bomb-making instructions, etc....or is it the norm to let it pass unless they inspector gets the "vibe"? Oh my gawd! What secrets you might have on that drive! Unless they have been tipped, nobody would look into your laptop with hdd ready to roll, let alone a wrapped one. Re privacy: if they are really after something, they may stick fingers into ur arse! No privacy claim would save the hdd from being inspected if they really want it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loner w/a boner Posted August 2, 2003 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 Says think_too_mut: >Is it normal procedure to browse, inspect/scan such things for..whatever...state secrets, kiddie porn, bomb-making instructions, etc....or is it the norm to let it pass unless they inspector gets the "vibe"? Oh my gawd! What secrets you might have on that drive! ........but Officer, he took it out of context! Actually, nothing quite so intriguing. Some political newspaper articles they might not like (YAHOOOO!). Well, the Canadian's didn't like them, but they are a ... well, never mind. And perhaps a few jpegs. All tasteful nudes--but that might be misinterpreted by someone with different ideas than my own, and the ability to cause me problems. Says think_too_mut: >Unless they have been tipped, nobody would look into your laptop with hdd ready to roll, let alone a wrapped one. I have no idea how intrusive customs officials are. I've been told, it's easier to get on a plane if I don't have any carry-on. Therefore I was going to pack my hard drive in my suitcase. But I don't know that if they see it, they'll be curious, or if the scanning machine can damage a hard drive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCgringo Posted August 2, 2003 Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 First thing is I hope you have a back-up...... US Customs can do almost anything they want, you are not officially in the USA till you pass customs.... if they felt like it they could look at it I would assume Thai customs is the same, if they want they can inspect anything that being said , I doubt that they really care And I would think you are better off having it in your bags so at least you can talk to them about it..... If its sent UPS and they want to inspect you will not be there..... Back-up is important no matter what you do......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loner w/a boner Posted August 2, 2003 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 I found the related links under technology FAQ. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvergoat Posted August 2, 2003 Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 If you're so worried about what you have that you're trying to encrypt it - it can't be 'good' and my feeling is that it relates to sex - probably underage, maybe not. If it relates to 'bomb making' that's even worse.. If it's dealing with 'state secrets' you probably wouldn't have to ask this question. My feelings are - just don't bring it at all. That being said; they probably don't care enough to check - unless they're tipped off. There are obviously other ways to hide your data but I don't feel it would be appropriate for any of us to tell you. If in fact it deals only with 'Some political newspaper articles they might not like' and a few 'tasteful nudes' I can't believe your considering burning them on a rom and disguising them as a cd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 2, 2003 Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 I would really be interested, what you are storing on your hard drive. Imo, it can't be anything good. However, ton's of jpgs etc. can be bought at Panthip or on the streets. If you have a lap-top and a fast internet-connection, you have acces to all your news, jpgs etc. that you want. So, my advise is, leave it at home. If the customs detect an encrypted hd, they will ask you to decrypt it or they will be able to do it or they will simply assume the worst possible content and you will be charged for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loner w/a boner Posted August 2, 2003 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 Says silvergoat: If you're so worried about what you have that you're trying to encrypt it - it can't be 'good' and my feeling is that it relates to sex - probably underage, maybe not. If it relates to 'bomb making' that's even worse.. If it's dealing with 'state secrets' you probably wouldn't have to ask this question. I simply noted that customs may be looking for contraband such as kiddy-porn, terrorist stuff, etc....I do NOT have any of that type of thing. Personally, I think child molesters and the people making kiddie porn deserve the death penalty if found guilty. Same with terrorists, etc... Says silvergoat: If in fact it deals only with 'Some political newspaper articles they might not like' and a few 'tasteful nudes' I can't believe your considering burning them on a rom and disguising them as a cd. Indeed. I was being a bit tactful, and "tongue-in-cheek". No attempt to mislead anyone personally, just trying to be discreet. Some of the political articles are a bit reactionary and extreme (but have a very high entertainment value). Nothing revolutionary, advocating violence, or neo-nazzi-I'm not that way. I simply like thought-provoking alternative points of view. I do have some thousands of porn .jpegs---of legal age. I already know of PGP, and hiding folders, etc...but my real question was directed at if it is the norm for Customs, US or Thai to scan a hdd as a matter of routine, like emptying one's pockets before walking through a screening machine, etc... It's just that I would hate to be kept out of Thailand because a Thai official clicks on a .jpeg and gets a face full of titties. But if the odds are slim, and it's not Standard Operating Procedure to scan, then I'm probably okay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loner w/a boner Posted August 2, 2003 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 Says Peter1964: I would really be interested, what you are storing on your hard drive. Imo, it can't be anything good. Apparently my attempt at mild humor has backfired and actually raised suspicion. Truly nothing horrific--I promise! Mostly just neekid women, and a few articles about states rights vs Federalism (in the USA), rights of the individual granted from our "Creator"--not tyrants...that kind of thing. That and a bunch of little Win98 tweaks and freeware executables are archived on there, so I can re-install them easily. I'd rather not start that over from scratch, having to find and download them. Thank you for pointing out Panthip. I hope to buy a laptop upon arrival. I have been told they are around 40K+ baht for a good one. As far as net connection, I've read some on this board about broadband. I may be too spoiled to go back to dial-up. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiLeakHunt Posted August 2, 2003 Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 You sound like you have a bit of a technical background. I cn understand that you might have some stuff that is commercially/industrially sensitive so you don't want to expose it. Why not put it all on a server in wherever you come from. Then when you get to Siam set up a remote access facility (ISDN or whatever) download it all then get your mate to wipe the initial one back home. Cheer PS IT's 1 bottle of Johnny Walker Red plus a barfine as my consultancy fee. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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