Proposed electronics ban and questions about my Kindle
 

Hi. As many of you have mentioned, the Dept of Homeland Security is considering extending the original ten-country ban regarding on-board electronics to flights originating in Europe. From articles I’ve seen, this - if put into effect - would apply to tablets, iPads, etc.; basically, any electronics larger than a phone.

I understand that security is important, certainly more than me having my iPad, but Drat.

Anyway. I have a new iPad, an old iPad, and an old Kindle reader. It’s not a Kindle Fire - I don’t know what you’d call it, but I bought it in 2011. The “keyboard” has little tiny circular letters to press. Only a sadist would try to type anything on it.

We leave in less than two weeks for Barcelona and Paris, and I don’t want to be left book-less (I downloaded five novels for the trip). My husband says, leave the iPads at home; the ban might be enacted while we’re there, and having it in the luggage is an invitation to lift it. I do have lots on it, emails, FB, photos, etc, so I agree with him - unless I could erase all but the novels? I guess I could go to the Apple Store and do that. OTOH, the Kindle only has novels.

Is there any “security” risk to having a Kindle stolen? I know someone could - gasp - download books, but I don’t know if they could actually buy Amazon stuff. I am totally clueless. Can someone help me?!

Thanks guys. :)

Nope, no security risk to having a kindle stolen, unless you can see all of your card info, which you usually can't. I honestly don't think there is much "security" risk to having a laptop stolen unless it isn't password protected. To buy anything on mine, you'd have to know screen password, iTunes Store password, security codes on all of my cards, etc. I wouldn't be worried about the security. The people who would be most worried about security are the people who have the most to protect- basically, business or gov. workers who would be specifically targeted.

so think about it: what on your iPad is really dangerous too you? Naughty pictures? Are you blackmailing people through email? Selling government secrets? Do you keep all of your personal information in a pages document? I mean those things probably sound absurd because they are absurd. if you were really worried about someone accessing your credit card info, what I would do is wipe all credit cards in the device except one that would not impact your trip if you hade to shut it down. Clear your password information, if you keep bank passwords in auto fill.

The only thing I am remotely worried about this ban is not having my iPad to entertain me on the airplane. I can replace my iPad if it's stolen- I have renters insurance. No one is interested in my emails- and I can remotely wipe my iPad anyway the minute the thief connects it to wifi.

And that's assuming people go through luggage to steal stuff. It might happen occasionally but I've never had anything stolen from checked luggage. I stay in hostels and leave my iPad locked in my suitcase and have had no problems there either. I've had a laptop stolen from my apartment (go figure) and the first thing the thief did was wipe it. They usually aren't after personal information. They just was a quick sale.

Also keep in mind that every article I've read has said "certain countries" not all countries. I'm pretty sure Eastern Europe is first on their list. Could be wrong. But I think they'll at least initially start with places that aren't popular or hubs to begin with.

So anyway...If you take your iPad on trips usually and can afford to replace it or have insurance on it...ignore your husband and take the old one with you.

Aren't your iPads password or otherwise protected? I really don't think anyone wants to invest a whole lot of time trying to crack a single device to get access to a single Paypal account, or whatever. It's so easy to get hundreds of them with a single email phishing expedition.

I don't even think anyone wants an older iPad.

If you've downloaded books on your iPad, you can also download them on your phone. I often read books on my phone, and it's a smaller than average phone.

I seem to remember that you can set a password on the Kindle Keyboard model. You might google how to do that. If a Kindle is stolen you can unregister it by logging in to your account at Amazon.

Were it me I would definitely bring my Kindle, even if I had to pack it in checked luggage. Put the Kindle app on your phone so you can continue reading while on the airplane.

I originally bought my Kindle for travel, but have become so addicted to it I also use it for reading at home. When I go out for appointments etc, I read the Kindle book on my iPhone, which automatically synchs to the page I was reading.

Thanks, everyone! I appreciate your information. If I take the Kindle I’ll put a password on it (I already have one on the iPad). I’ll let you know what we decided and check back in when we get back.

You can turn on Find Your iPhone for your new iPad.

Even if it's stolen, they can't get into it or use it if it's running the latest OS.

They would have to have your Apple ID (the one you log into iCloud with) in order to be able to unlock the iPad and reinstall the OS to be able to use it themselves.

There are also security settings for automatically deleting all the data after someone enters an incorrect pass code 10 times.

What would probably happen, if your iPad is stolen, is someone will try to email you with a link to a website which is a fake iCloud or other Apple site.

The goal is that they're trying to get you to enter your Apple ID and password, so they can unlock your stolen iPad or iPhone, to use it themselves. Otherwise, it's of no use to them.

Google or go to the Apple Store and ask them about these security settings, activating Find your iPhone for your iPad and 2 factor authentication for your Apple ID.

I wouldn't fret about this so much until something actually happens, what's the point of worrying over every detail.

A Kindle reader does not have a keyboard for use as a computer. I know because I have one (a Kindle Paperwhite). The only time the tiny keyboard appears is if you want to put something in the search box, which I've never done but presume it just searches your libary or searches Amazon for books with that term.

<<The only thing I am remotely worried about this ban is not having my iPad to entertain me on the airplane>>

Seriously, this is a "worry" for you? that you have no way to pass time or entertain yourself unless you have access to an iPad? Find some new interests or how to read.

>>A Kindle reader does not have a keyboard for use as a computer.<<

The old ones do.

Gee, thanks, Christina. What hobbies do you suggest?

To lose access to my ipad is certainly not an enormous problem, but I'm a voracious reader and having to pack multiple physical books again instead of one ipad would be very, very annoying.

<<The Kindle reader does not have a keyboard for use as a computer. I know because I have one (a Kindle Paperwhite). The only time the tiny keyboard appears is if you want to put something in the search box>>

Actually you're wrong there, Christina. The Kindle Paperwhite I have can surf the web and access email. Granted, it's an antiquated experience, but it still can. Surprised that you don't know that, as you know everything.

I agree with marvelousmouse, as long as I've had it, I've loaded my iPad with mutliple books as well as guidebooks (for reference at night in the hotel room) and never carry books any longer. Saves lots of space in carry-on and lets me give up on a bad book rather than be stuck with it for the duration of my trip.

Amyb, I have a Paperwhite as well, and snych the books on my iPad and iPhone. If/when the airlines ban all devices larger than phones in the cabin, then I will have to read books on the iPhone, then worry that the battery will run out before I can charge it again. I think I will bring along one paper book to read on the airplane.

I used to stuff my suitcase full of books on every trip, then abandon the ones I finished and didn't want to keep.

If this ban goes through, there will be lots of stolen laptops. That's for sure.

<i>A Kindle reader does not have a keyboard for use as a computer. </i>

I guess it depends on what your definition of "computer" is.

https://imgur.com/a/P83OI

As I mentioned on another thread, one of my main reasons for buying a Kindle was so that I wouldn't have to lug newspapers and books on trips and long flights. Reading the NY Times Sunday edition on the Kindle is s-o-o-o-o-o much better than wrestling with the paper edition on a plane, and lots cheaper, too.

One other thing: The newer low-budget model of a Kindle isn't really much bigger than some of the cell phones on the market today.

"And that's assuming people go through luggage to steal stuff. It might happen occasionally but I've never had anything stolen from checked luggage."

It has never happened to me either, but that's because I've never put anything worth stealing in checked luggage. However, the notion that it is rare is naive:

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/convic...ry?id=17339513

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/13/us/air...eft/index.html

This is from the WSJ in 2014, the rest is behind a pay wall: "Airlines, airports, police and the Transportation Security Administration are all trying to tighten up to curb the persistent problem of luggage looting."

Getting your luggage wrapped in plastic may help, if your departure airport has the service, but it's not free, and it's not clear to me whether TSA agents are entitled to cut it (I would expect they are, since they are allowed to break locks).

Many people have bought such devices for the purpose of travel. Not because they couldn't read but because this enabled them to read more and pack less. And the ipad is invaluable for me on long trips. I can catch up on the online courses and lectures I follow, for which a long plane ride is the perfect time, as well as many other uses.

But I can't help but wonder how people who use the flight as work time and count on their laptops to get their work done are going to adjust to such a ban. It seems to me that they are the ones who would be the most affected.

Yeah, I don't think the plastic would have helped stop that guy.

The most worrisome thing in that article is about their problematic background checks on their employees:(

As far as a Kindle goes, I would imagine it's pretty low on the list of desirable theft-worthy items in checked luggage. Triple wrap it in your dirty clothes, and I bet you'll be safe.

From what I am hearing, this ban will be so disruptive to business travelers - the ones whose companies spend the big bucks to fly - that even if it is enacted, it won't be long before a new security method is implemented to allow electronics back on aircraft. They are already talking about swabbing very item for chemical/explosive residue, although that would be quite cumbersome and time-consuming.

(Hmmm ... I wonder if they will allow business class and above to bring electronics first, while they figure out how to speed up the new security?)

It's really Spy v Spy ... each side is one step ahead for a short time, and then it reverses.

"Triple wrap it in your dirty clothes"

Doesn't help if the thief works security, it will show up on Xray. But I agree that it is not a particularly desirable target.