Encryption is a solid way of protecting your data from unauthorized access or potential loss, particularly at this time when we are witnessing increased cases of cyber crime.
However, travelling with encrypted devices such as laptops and smartphones is a legal and security issue in many countries. This is because encryption products normally fall into the wrong hands and they are often used to conceal illegal activities, including terrorism.
For these reasons, most of countries have strict travel restrictions that target encrypted products in particular. Apparently, you have to obtain special authorization from the relevant governmental agencies to travel with your encrypted laptop or phone.
Here are a few points you need to know before travelling with your encrypted devices.
Can You Travel Internationally with Encrypted Laptop or Phone?
Travel restrictions for encrypted products vary from one country to the other. This means that some countries (particularly developing nations) may allow you to enter with your encrypted device freely, while others require you to obtain the necessary authorization.
To avoid creating confusion in the travel sector, a group of countries came together to form a set of laws to facilitate and regulate the use of encrypted products when travelling internationally.
These laws, known as the Wassenaar Arrangement, allow travelers to enter constituent countries with an encrypted device, under the personal use exemption.
However, for this exemption to apply, the traveler must not create, share, enhance, sell or distribute the encrypted product or encryption technology, while visiting a participating country.
Failure to adhere to these rules could result in fines, penalties or confiscation of your device.
Why Should You Encrypt Your Laptop?
Encrypting your devices is of utmost importance. With cases of snooping, phishing and identity theft on the increase, it is only logical that you encrypt your laptop or mobile phone to protect your personal data. Here are some of the reasons why you should encrypt your laptop.
Encryption Protects Sensitive Data
When travelling to a different country, the last thing you would want is to lose your personal data to cyber criminals. Hackers may use your sensitive data such as your social security number and financial information for illegal purposes. They could even steal your info to compromise your bank accounts.
Encryption Technology Supports Data Integrity
The integrity of your data is of vital importance, particularly if you are traveling for business. The quality of the information stored will determine whether your business will be able to achieve its targets. By encrypting your laptop, you can rest assured that your data will remain safe and secure.
Prevents Regulatory Fines
Depending on your area of service, encrypting your laptop and other devices could be a necessity rather than an option. This is particularly true if you are dealing with customer information.
With the introduction of various privacy laws, you could face huge fines if you do not comply with these new rules. Fortunately, encrypting your devices can help you comply and avoid these fines.
Prevents Identity Theft
If your laptop is not protected, criminals can gain access easily and steal your data for malicious use. Moreover, they may use identity to obtain credit or loans, subsequently leaving you in a financial mess.
Encrypting your laptop can help stop unauthorized access to your details thereby preventing identity theft. This is specifically important if you are visiting a foreign country.
Lost Encrypted Devices Are Easier to Retrieve
It is very easy to lose your luggage and portable devices when travelling internationally. However, you can make the recovery process easier by encrypting your laptop and mobile devices.
Besides, the use of encryption will also prevent the thief from booting your device and accessing your sensitive or personal data.
How to Encrypt Your Laptop?
Encrypting your laptop comes with so many benefits. Firstly, it helps uphold your privacy and it guards against physical loss. Unfortunately, very few people know how to go about it. Here are a few tips on how to encrypt your laptop:
Using BitLocker
If you are already using Windows as your laptop’s Operating System, then you are in luck. The Windows platform provides an in-built encryption technology known as BitLocker. You can use this program to encrypt your laptop and protect your files or folders from unauthorized access. The following are steps on how to encrypt your laptop using Windows BitLocker.
- Click on control panel and select BitLocker Drive Encryption
- Click Turn On BitLocker
- Set a strong password
- Make a backup of your recovery key, which you can use to access your files in case you have problems unlocking your laptop
- Decide whether you want to encrypt the entire disk or used space only
- Follow the simple instructions to start the encryption process
The only major concern about BitLocker is that it is available exclusively to the Ultimate, Enterprise and Pro editions of Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.
Using Third-Party Encryption Software
Besides Windows BitLocker, you can use third-party software to encrypt your laptop. BitLocker is a good encryption tool, but it does not offer premium features. For this reason, most people prefer third party software.
The most popular options in this case include DiskCryptor, TrueCrypt and VeraCrypt. These programs provide full encryption of your files and folders at an advanced level. However, these programs are not free, meaning that you have to pay a specified fee to enjoy premium features.
Is Encryption Legal in the UK and US?
In the past decade, the United Kingdom and the United States have shared a common stand as far as end-to-end encryption is concerned. The joint campaign aims at limiting end-to-end encryption in a bid to break terror networks and deny criminals (terrorists) a safe communication haven.
All the same, these reviewed rules do not apply when it comes to traveling with encrypted products. Both the UK and the US are participants in the Wassenaar Arrangement, and this means that you can travel to the UK or the US under the personal use exemption rule.
However, you still have to apply for an import license before you can travel to these countries with an encrypted device. The law gives the immigration authorities powers to demand travelers to decrypt their encrypted products before gaining entry into the country.
Given that encryption laws change from time to time, it is important that you confirm with the relevant agencies before travelling to the said countries. This will go a long way to ensure that you comply with the law.
Can You Travel to China with an Encrypted Laptop?
China is notorious for their tough rules revolving around data and privacy laws. It is therefore not surprising that travelers may have reservations about travelling to China with an encrypted laptop.
However, you can travel to China with an encrypted laptop or mobile device. You just need to apply for a permit issued by the Beijing Office of State Encryption Administrative Bureau.
Nonetheless, having this permit does not mean that you can move freely within the country with your encrypted device. You must always be ready to decrypt your laptop at border crossings.
Encryption Restrictions by Country
Countries participating in the Wassenaar Arrangement allow travelers to enter with their encrypted products under the personal use exemption.
These countries include, Australia, Austria, Argentina, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Malta, Lithuania, Latvia, Bulgaria, South Africa, Norway, New Zealand, Poland and Sweden.
Ukraine and Russia are also signatories to the Wassenaar Arrangement, but the two countries do not recognize the personal use exemption.
Other countries that do not recognize a personal use exemption include:
Belarus
You need a license issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Belarus
Burma/Myanmar
Documentation on the current licensing regime is unavailable
China
You need to obtain a permit from the Beijing Office of State Encryption Administrative Bureau
Hungary
You need to apply for an international import certificate issued by the relevant state agencies
Iran
The Iran Supreme Council for Cultural Revolution issues licenses to traveler with encrypted products
Kazakhstan
Obtain a license from the Kazakhstan Licensing Commission of the Committee of National Security
Moldova
You must obtain a license from the Moldova Ministry of National Security
Morocco
Documentation on the current licensing regime is unavailable
Russia
You require two licenses issued by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, and the Federal Security Service
Saudi Arabia
Encrypted products are banned in Saudi Arabia
Tunisia
You must obtain a license issued by the Tunisia National Agency for Electronic Certification
Ukraine
You require a license issued by the Department of Special Telecommunication Systems and Protection of Information of the Security Service of Ukraine
Conclusion
The use of encryption on devices such as laptops and smartphones is the standard practice nowadays. However, if you want to travel internationally with your encrypted device, you must obtain a permit with the relevant authorities to comply with the set rules and regulations.
Abiding by the rules can make your travel experience seamless regardless of where you want to go!