Know How...

Mar 15th 2018

Know How... 373

The Secrets of Geek Travel - Part II

Securing your data and devices, business travel, office VPNs, Encrypted USB Debices, SSDs with Bitlocker

Although the show is no longer in production, you can enjoy episodes from the TWiT Archives.
Category: Help & How To

Protect my Data on the Road!

"I’m a TWiET listener who just started watching Know How. On a TWiET episode several years ago, you and Cheebert talked about traveling securely with your data in “hostile” countries. What would you recommend for a traveler who needs to access sensitive data offline? I won’t have my office VPN and need a solution that can carry just under 50GB of data. It’s ok if the device is destroyed as long as no 3rd parties can read it. Ideally, I need a solution that works well with my company-issued Dell laptop running Windows 10 Enterprise and my home desktop running Windows 10 Home. The office will pay for a solution up to $200 without me having to ask for special permission. Love the show!"  - Martin P (New York, New York)


Encrypted Flash Drive
Kingston Digital DT2000 $100-$160

  • USB 3.0
  • AES 256 Bit Encryption
  • 6-Number PIN (Automatically locked when removed from a Computer)
  • Encryption Key deleted after 10 failed attempts
  • FIPS 197 (Required for Enterprise Standard Security)
  • Win 10, 8, 8.1, 7 // Mac OS 10.9+ // Linux 2.6+ // Chrome OS // Android
  • Unlike some other "Encrypted" USB drives that are really secured controllers, there is actually an encryption/decryption engine on the drive itself. This means that All data on the NAND flash itself is encrypted. (Vs. Just having the controller allow/deny access to unencrypted data on the Flash)
  • Has Read-Only and Timeout locks (Activated by Keypad)

BitLocker

  • Logical disk encryption tool built into certain versions of Windows
    • - Vista Ultimate and Enterprise
    • - Windows 7 Pro and Enterprise
    • - Windows 8/8.1 Pro and Enterprise
    • - Windows Server 2008 and Later
    • - Windows 10 and Enterprise
  • Uses AES 128 or 256

Enabling BitLocker on a Storage Device

  1. Open "This PC"
  2. Right-click the icon of the drive you want to encrypt
  3. Select "Turn on BitLocker"
  4. Use a password or Smart Card for Authentication (Or Both - smartcard will still require a PIN) * NEXT*
  5. Choose if you want to back up your Key * NEXT*
    • You can choose to save it to your MS account, a file that YOU keep, or print it
    • Whatever you choose, make sure you understand the consequences!
    • If you save it to your account, anybody who has access to your account will get your key
    • If you save it to a file, you need to protect the storage device that has that file
    • If you print it, treat the printout as a Top Secret document
    • If you chose either of the latter options, DON'T KEEP THE BACKUP WITH YOUR STORAGE DEVICE!
  6. Encrypt the entire drive on only the space that has been used. * NEXT*
  7. Choose your Encryption Mode *NEXT*
    • "New Encryption" is what I prefer if I'll be using the storage device with a SINGLE computer
    • "Compatible Mode" is what I use if I'll be moving from computer to computer (all have to support BL)
  8. "Start Encrypting"

Important Note:

  • You CAN'T create a BitLocker encrypted volume on Windows 10 Home (You need Pro/Enterprise for that)
  • However, you CAN read a Bitlocker Encrypted Volume (Read Only)

Around the World

Know It Alls,

"I’m a second-year Communications student at Santa Clara University. This summer I’ll be backpacking around Europe with a group of 5 friends, documenting our travel. We’re packing light: Only what we can put in a backpack that must be able to fit in an airplane overhead bin. My load out is currently using about 2 square feet of space and I’m allocating 1 square foot for gear. I’m bringing an Acer Swift 7 and a Pixel 2, as well as that Anker Battery pack you like. I plan to upload content over WiFi whenever we can find it, but I’d like to have messaging capabilities on my phone. I’d also like a second screen, like your portable USB monitor… but with the option of connecting another HDMI source, like a BluRay player or a HD camera for previewing shots. Any other tips on backpacking gear would be most welcomed. Wish us luck!" -Meriko (Santa Clara, CA)

International Messaging

ChatSim

  • $20/year (Activates on first use) // $40 a year if you want to use Emojis
  • Allows you to do "Multimedia Recharges"
  • Works with:
    • What's App
    • Telegram
    • BBM
    • Facebook Messenger
    • WeChat
    • QQi
    • Line
    • Hike
    • Kakao
    • BiP

Coverage Maps

  • Works in EVERY country on his itinerary!

Secur SP-6000

  • 10Ah of battery storage
  • 12W solar panel (2 x 6W panels at 24% efficiency)
  • Dual USB ports (2.4A)
  • Can charge to full in 7-8 hours of direct sunlight
  • 20 ounces (1.25lbs)
    • Has a kickstand for best charging angle
    • Also has a waterproof pouch for your devices to be protected while charging.

Paracord (Grade 550, Type III)

  • 100 feet // 550 lbs of force // 7 strand
  • Available in multiple colors (Choose bright ones if you're planning on using them for laundry!)

Carabiner Clips

  • NOT FOR SUPPORTING YOU! (Hammocks, climbing, etc.)
  • Has replaced Clothes Pins in my bag. (Same uses)

Bag Bungee


Zolo Liberty+ earphones

  • Earphones carry 3-4hrs, case holds another 40hrs, Bluetooth 5, dual grip-fit components for proper fit/sound

Jason's Travel Apps

  • Google Maps - One of my all-time favorite apps PERIOD
  • Google Trips - Relatively new, Includes automatic trip planning, reservation storage, popular day plans and attractions, works offline
  • Google Translate - For when you are in another world and need a little language help, Translate bw 103 languages, camera tanslation, conversation mode, store commonly used phrases
  • Skiplagged - multiservice airline search, but it includes Hidden City fares (meaning you get off the plan at the layover... can save money but most services don't show this as an option)
  • Hopper - predictive airfare pricing, buy when the prices are expected to be the best
  • GasBuddy - Great for road trips, track the best gas prices
  • Lounge Buddy - tracks lounges in airlines around the world, find lounges that you qualify for based on your airline rewards ... not updated in a year though
  • Flush - crowdsourced toilet locater (not sure how effective it is... BUT IT EXISTS)

Connect with us!

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