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Never Fly Internationally with Your Personal Phone
I always fly internationally with a burner phone, no need to risk my personal data when I can’t even use my phone anyway.
Here is a scary story in Trump’s America.

I always fly internationally with a burner phone, no need to risk my personal data when I can’t even use my phone anyway.
Here is a scary story in Trump’s America.
On January 30th, Sidd Bikkannavar, a US-born scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory flew back to Houston, Texas from Santiago, Chile.
On his way through the airport, Customs and Border Patrol agents pulled him aside. They searched him, then detained him in a room with a bunch of other people sleeping in cots. They eventually returned and said they’d release him if he told them the password to unlock his phone.
Bikkannavar explained that the phone belonged to NASA and had sensitive information on it, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. He eventually yielded and unlocked his phone. The agents left with his phone. Half an hour later, they returned, handed him his phone, and released him.
We’re going to discuss the legality of all of this, and what likely happened during that 30 minutes where Bikkannavar’s phone was unlocked and outside of his possession.
But before we do, take a moment to think about all the apps you have on your phone. Email? Facebook? Dropbox? Your browser? Signal? The history of everything you’ve ever done — everything you’ve ever searched, and everything you’ve ever said to anyone — is right there in those apps.
“We should treat personal electronic data with the same care and respect as weapons-grade plutonium — it is dangerous, long-lasting and once it has leaked there’s no getting it back.” — Cory Doctorow
How many potentially incriminating things do you have lying around your home? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably zero. And yet police would need to go before a judge and establish probable cause before they could get a warrant to search your home.
What we’re seeing now is that anyone can be grabbed on their way through customs and forced to hand over the full contents of their digital life.
Companies like Elcomsoft make “forensic software” that can suck down all your photos, contacts — even passwords for your email and social media accounts — in a matter of minutes. Their customers include the police forces of various countries, militaries, and private security forces. They can use these tools to permanently archive everything there is to know about you. All they need is your unlocked phone.
“If one would give me six lines written by the hand of the most honest man, I would find something in them to have him hanged.” — Cardinal Richelieu in 1641
What’s the worst thing that could happen if the Customs and Border Patrol succeed in getting a hold of your unlocked phone? Well…
- Think of all of the people you’ve ever called or emailed, and all the people you’re connected with on Facebook and LinkedIn. What are the chances that one of them has committed a serious crime, or will do so in the future?
- Have you ever taken a photo at a protest, bought a controversial book on Amazon, or vented about an encounter with a police officer to a loved one? That information is now part of your permanent record, and could be dragged out as evidence against you if you ever end up in court.
- There’s a movement within government to make all data from all departments available to all staff at a local, state, and federal level. The more places your data ends up, the larger a hacker’s “attack surface” is — that is, the more vulnerable your data is. A security breach in a single police station in the middle of nowhere could result in your data ending up in the hands of hackers — and potentially used against you from the shadows — for the rest of your life.
Wait a second. What about my fourth and fifth-amendment rights? Isn’t this illegal?
The fourth-amendment protects you against unreasonable search and seizure. The fifth-amendment protects you against self-incrimination.
If a police officer were to stop you on the street of America and ask you to unlock your phone and give it to them, these amendments would give you strong legal ground for refusing to do so.
But unfortunately, the US border isn’t technically the US, and you don’t have either of these rights at the border.
It’s totally legal for a US Customs and Border Patrol officer to ask you to unlock your phone and hand it over to them. And they can detain you indefinitely if you don’t. Even if you’re an American citizen.
The border is technically outside of US jurisdiction, in a sort of legal no-man’s-land. You have very few rights there. Barring the use of “excessive force,” agents can do whatever they want to you.
So my advice is to just do whatever they tell you, to and get through customs and on into the US as quickly as you can.
The US isn’t the only country that does this.
It’s only a matter of time before downloading the contents of people’s phones becomes a standard procedure for entering every country. This already happens in Canada. And you can bet that countries like China and Russia aren’t far behind.
“Never say anything in an electronic message that you wouldn’t want appearing, and attributed to you, in tomorrow morning’s front-page headline in the New York Times.” — Colonel David Russell, former head of DARPA’s Information Processing Techniques Office
Since it’s illegal in most countries to profile individual travelers, customs officers will soon require everyone to do this.
The companies who make the software that downloads data from your phones are about to get a huge infusion of money from governments. Their software will get much faster — maybe requiring only a few seconds to download all of your most pertinent data from your phone.
If we do nothing to resist, pretty soon everyone will have to unlock their phone and hand it over to a customs agent while they’re getting their passport swiped.
Over time, this unparalleled intrusion into your personal privacy may come to feel as routine as taking off your shoes and putting them on a conveyer belt.
And with this single new procedure, all the hard work that Apple and Google have invested in encrypting the data on your phone — and fighting for your privacy in court — will be a completely moot point.
Governments will have succeeded in utterly circumventing decades of innovation in security and privacy protection. All by demanding you hand them the skeleton key to your life — your unlocked phone.
You can’t hand over a device that you don’t have.
When you travel internationally, you should leave your mobile phone and laptop at home. You can rent phones at most international airports that include data plans.
If you have family overseas, you can buy a second phone and laptop and leave them there at their home.
If you’re an employer, you can create a policy that your employees are not to bring devices with them during international travel. You can then issue them “loaner” laptops and phones once they enter the country.
Since most of our private data is stored in the cloud — and not on individual devices — you could also reset your phone to its factory settings before boarding an international flight. This process will also delete the keys necessary to unencrypt any residual data on your phone (iOS and Android fully encrypt your data).
This way, you could bring your physical phone with you, then reinstall apps and re-authenticate with them once you’ve arrived. If you’re asked to hand over your unlocked phone at the border, there won’t be any personal data on it. All your data will be safe behind the world-class security that Facebook, Google, Apple, Signal, and all these other companies use.
Is all this inconvenient? Absolutely. But it’s the only sane course of action when you consider the gravity of your data falling into the wrong hands.
If you bother locking your doors at night, you should bother securing your phone’s data during international travel.
This may upset Customs and Border Patrol agents, who are probably smart enough to realize that 85% of Americans now have smart phones, and probably 100% of the Americans who travel internationally have smart phones. They may choose to detain you anyway, and force you to give them passwords to various accounts manually. But there’s no easy way for them to know which services you use and which services you don’t use, or whether you have multiple accounts.
We live in an era of mass surveillance, where governments around the world are passing terrifying new anti-privacy laws every year.
“Those who are willing to surrender their freedom for security have always demanded that if they give up their full freedom it should also be taken from those not prepared to do so.” — Friedrich Hayek
With a lot of hard work on our part, enlightenment will triumph. Privacy will be restored. And we will beat back the current climate of fear that’s confusing people into unnecessarily giving up their rights.
In the meantime, follow the Boy Scouts of America Motto: always be prepared. The next time you plan to cross a border, leave your phone at home.
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Photos courtesy of OneIndia, USCustoms, youtube, travelskills, guardian, personal, laptopmag
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How Cross-Country Traveling Supports Sobriety

For many people in recovery, the prospect of traveling can be daunting. The thought of leaving behind the security and structure of daily life can trigger feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. However, for those who are able to take the leap and embark on a cross-country journey, the benefits can be immense. In this article, we’ll explore how cross-country traveling can support sobriety and help individuals in the recovery phase to live a fulfilling, meaningful life.
How Cross-Country Travel Supports Sobriety
Cross-country travel is best made possible by an RV rental from a company like Cruise America. With an RV, you can stay comfortable and connected on your cross-country journey.
- Breaking away from triggers and old habits
One of the biggest benefits of cross-country traveling is the opportunity to break away from old habits and triggers. When we’re in our home environment, we’re surrounded by familiar people, places, and routines that can often trigger cravings or negative thoughts. By traveling to new locations and experiencing new things, we can break out of old patterns and create new, positive habits.
- Building resilience and coping skills
Traveling can be stressful, and it can also be unpredictable. Flights get delayed, reservations fall through, and plans change at the last minute. By navigating these challenges and learning to adapt to new situations, travelers can build resilience and develop coping skills. These skills can be invaluable in recovery, where unexpected challenges are a common occurrence.
- Connecting with others in recovery
Traveling can also provide opportunities to connect with others in recovery. There are many sober travel groups and organizations that plan trips and activities for individuals in recovery. These groups provide a supportive community and a chance to make new friends who understand the challenges of sobriety.
- Embracing new experiences and perspectives
Cross-country traveling can be an opportunity to embrace new experiences and perspectives. By visiting new places and meeting new people, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. This can be especially valuable for individuals in recovery, who may have spent years in a cycle of addiction and self-destructive behavior. Traveling can help break this cycle and open up new possibilities for growth and healing.
- Practicing self-care and mindfulness
When we’re traveling, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of new experiences and activities. However, it’s important to remember to prioritize self-care and mindfulness. This might mean taking time to meditate, go for a walk, or practice yoga. It might also mean being mindful of what we eat and drink and avoiding situations that could trigger cravings or negative emotions.
- Challenging limiting beliefs
For many individuals in recovery, there can be limiting beliefs around what they’re capable of or what they deserve. These beliefs can hold us back and prevent us from fully embracing life in sobriety. Cross-country traveling can be an opportunity to challenge these beliefs and prove to ourselves that we’re capable of more than we might have thought. By pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones and taking risks, we can build confidence and self-esteem.
- Finding inspiration and purpose
Finally, cross-country traveling can be an opportunity to find inspiration and purpose. By experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, and exploring new places, travelers can gain a deeper sense of connection to the world around them. This can be especially valuable for individuals in recovery, who may be searching for a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.
In conclusion, cross-country traveling can be a powerful tool for individuals in recovery. By breaking away from old habits and triggers, building resilience and coping skills, connecting with others in recovery, embracing new experiences and perspectives, practicing self-care and mindfulness, challenging limiting beliefs, and finding inspiration and purpose, travelers can support their sobriety and live a fulfilling, meaningful life.
If you’re in recovery and considering a cross-country trip, be sure to plan ahead and prioritize your sobriety. With the right mindset and support, the journey can be a transformative and empowering experience. Remember, sobriety is a lifelong journey, and traveling can be a powerful way to continue growing and healing. If you are just beginning your journey to sobriety, visit Zinnia Health for help.
Whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, or as part of a sober travel group, be open to new experiences and opportunities. And most importantly, remember to take care of yourself along the way. With the right mindset and support, cross-country traveling can be a powerful tool for supporting your sobriety and living a fulfilling, meaningful life in recovery.
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Finding The Right Care: Mental Health Care Options

Mental health care is a critical aspect of healthcare, and it involves providing necessary support to individuals experiencing mental illness. Mental illnesses affect people in different ways, and they can range from mild to severe forms that require immediate medical attention. Finding the right care for mental health issues requires an understanding of available treatment options and how each option addresses specific mental conditions.
The process of finding appropriate mental health care may be challenging due to various factors such as stigma associated with seeking help, limited financial resources, lack of information on available services, among others. However, identifying suitable treatment options remains crucial for those experiencing mental distress or disorders. This article explores the different types of mental health treatments available and provides insight into finding the right type of care based on individual needs.
Types Of Mental Health Treatments
Mental health treatments can be categorized as either inpatient or outpatient care. Inpatient care involves staying at a hospital, residential treatment center, or other facility for an extended period of time to receive intensive mental health services. Outpatient care, on the other hand, does not require the patient to stay overnight and can include therapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional.
Group therapy is one type of outpatient care that has many benefits. Group therapy allows individuals to connect with others who are experiencing similar struggles and provides a supportive environment where they can share experiences and learn coping strategies together. It also helps patients develop social skills and improve communication abilities while reducing feelings of isolation. Additionally, group therapy typically costs less than individual therapy sessions which makes it more accessible for those who may not have insurance coverage or limited financial resources.
Psychotherapy Options
Moving on from the different types of mental health treatments, it is important to explore the various psychotherapy options available. Psychotherapy involves talking with a licensed therapist who can help identify and treat emotional and behavioral issues. It is often used in conjunction with medication or other forms of treatment for maximum effectiveness.
Group therapy benefits include learning from others who are going through similar experiences, practicing social skills in a safe environment, receiving support and encouragement from peers, and experiencing a sense of community. On the other hand, individual therapy allows for more personalized attention and tailored treatment plans specific to each individual’s needs. The therapist works one-on-one with the patient to address their unique challenges and concerns. While group therapy may be more cost-effective and provide additional support, individual therapy offers greater privacy and flexibility in scheduling appointments. Ultimately, the decision between group therapy versus individual therapy depends on personal preferences and the severity of the mental health condition being treated.
Medication Options
Medication options are a common form of treatment for mental health conditions. These medications work by altering the chemical balance in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety and depression. However, it is important to note that medication is not necessarily the best option for everyone.
One consideration when deciding on medication is the potential long-term effects. Some medications may have beneficial effects over an extended period of time, while others may require frequent dosage adjustments or lose efficacy over time. Additionally, some individuals may experience side effects from certain medications, which can range from mild to severe. It is essential to discuss these factors with a healthcare provider before starting any medication regimen to ensure that the benefits outweigh potential risks or drawbacks.
Alternative Therapies
Holistic approaches to mental health care have gained increasing attention in recent years, as people seek alternative therapies beyond traditional medication and psychotherapy. These approaches aim to treat the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – rather than just addressing symptoms of mental illness. Examples of holistic approaches include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, massage therapy, herbal supplements and aromatherapy.
Self-care techniques are another valuable way to supplement traditional mental health treatment options. They empower individuals with skills they can use daily to improve their own well-being. Common self-care practices include exercise or physical activity, healthy eating habits, getting adequate sleep each night and practicing stress-reducing activities like journaling or spending time outdoors. In addition to improving overall health outcomes for those living with mental illness, these self-care strategies may also help reduce dependence on medications and other forms of medical intervention over time.
Finding The Right Type Of Care For You
Individuals seeking mental health care may find it challenging to determine the right type of care that suits their needs. It is crucial to understand and recognize the available options in order to make informed decisions about mental healthcare. One option for those who prefer a more community-based approach is support groups. Support groups offer a safe space where individuals can share experiences with others, discuss challenges, and provide mutual encouragement and help each other cope with mental health issues.
Another important aspect of finding the right type of care is self-care techniques. Self-care refers to activities or habits that are performed deliberately and consistently by an individual to promote physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. These include but are not limited to meditation, exercise, journaling, healthy eating habits, sleep hygiene practices, among others. Taking time for self-care can improve one’s overall quality of life and reduce stress levels which are often triggers for worsening mental health symptoms.
Overall, identifying the appropriate form of mental health care requires careful consideration of various factors such as personal preference, severity of symptoms, cost considerations, among others. Whether you choose support groups or prioritize your own self-care routine; taking steps towards prioritizing your mental wellbeing will ultimately lead to positive outcomes in all aspects of your life. You can start searching for mental health care with keywords mental health care near me.
Conclusion
Mental health care is an essential aspect of overall well-being, but it can be challenging to navigate the various options available. From cost and insurance coverage to potential side effects and remote access, there are many factors to consider when seeking mental health treatment.
Despite these challenges, finding the right care is possible with research and advocacy for oneself. It may take time to find a provider who understands one’s specific needs and experiences, but this effort is worth taking. Mental health care should not be stigmatized or overlooked – just like physical health care, it requires attention and support from both individuals and society as a whole.
Through increased awareness and education about mental health care options, we can create a more compassionate world where everyone has access to effective treatment. Whether through therapy sessions or online support groups, finding the right resources can help individuals achieve their full potential in all areas of life. With dedication and perseverance, anyone can overcome the obstacles that stand between them and their mental wellness.
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Partnering With A Trusted Medical Credentialing Company

In the healthcare industry, medical credentialing is a critical process that ensures a physician or other healthcare professional has the necessary qualifications and licenses to practice medicine. Credentialing involves verifying education, training, work experience, references, and other credentials that are required by law or hospital policies. As this process can be complex and time-consuming, many healthcare organizations partner with trusted medical credentialing companies to streamline their processes.
Partnering with a reliable medical credentialing company offers several benefits for healthcare organizations such as reducing administrative burdens associated with managing provider data and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, these partnerships allow providers to focus on delivering quality care while the credentialing company handles all matters related to provider enrollment and verification of credentials. The following article will discuss in detail why partnering with a trusted medical credentialing company is essential for any healthcare organization looking to streamline its operations while still maintaining high standards of patient safety and care.
The Importance Of Medical Credentialing
In the world of healthcare, medical credentialing is a crucial process that ensures healthcare providers meet specific standards. It involves verifying and assessing an individual’s qualifications, education, training, licensure, and experience to determine their competency in providing safe and effective care. The credentialing process is rigorous and time-consuming but essential for protecting patients’ safety.
Healthcare provider standards are continuously evolving due to advancements in technology and changes in regulations governing the industry. Medical credentialing helps ensure that healthcare professionals remain current with these updates by requiring them to participate in ongoing educational activities or continuing education programs. This requirement ensures that they stay informed about best practices in patient care delivery while maintaining the highest level of competence possible throughout their career. Ultimately, this results in better patient outcomes since it guarantees that only qualified individuals provide clinical services to those who need them most.
The Challenges Of Credentialing For Healthcare Organizations
The credentialing process for healthcare organizations can be a daunting task. It involves verifying the qualifications and professional background of medical personnel, including physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals. The primary goal of this process is to ensure that only qualified individuals are allowed to provide medical care to patients. Thus, it plays a crucial role in maintaining patient safety and quality of care.
However, there are several challenges associated with the credentialing process. One such challenge is ensuring healthcare compliance with various regulatory bodies at both state and federal levels. Healthcare organizations must comply with regulations set by agencies such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) or National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). These regulations are designed to ensure high-quality care delivery while protecting patients’ rights and privacy. Compliance requires significant effort from healthcare organizations since they need to keep up-to-date with changing laws and guidelines regularly. Failure to comply may result in penalties or even loss of accreditation, which could affect their reputation adversely.
Benefits Of Partnering With A Trusted Medical Credentialing Company
Partnering with a trusted medical credentialing company may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can actually save healthcare organizations time and money in the long run. The credentialing process is a critical step in ensuring that healthcare providers are qualified to practice medicine and meet all necessary requirements. However, this process can be tedious and time-consuming when done manually.
By partnering with a reputable medical credentialing company, healthcare organizations can streamline the entire credentialing verification process from start to finish. These companies utilize advanced technology and software systems to efficiently verify provider credentials, licenses, certifications, work history, malpractice claims history, and more. This not only saves time for staff members who would otherwise have to perform these tasks manually but also minimizes the risk of errors or oversights that could result in costly legal issues down the line. Ultimately, outsourcing credentialing verification services allows healthcare organizations to focus on what they do best: providing quality care to patients without worrying about the administrative burdens of verifying provider qualifications.
In addition to saving time and reducing liability risks, partnering with a trusted medical credentialing company also provides peace of mind knowing that your organization is working with experts who understand the complex regulations surrounding healthcare compliance. With their extensive knowledge of industry standards and best practices, these companies ensure that providers are meeting all necessary requirements at every stage of the credentialing process. By utilizing their expertise and resources, healthcare organizations can rest assured that they are delivering top-quality care while adhering to strict regulatory guidelines.
How A Trusted Medical Credentialing Company Can Streamline Operations
Partnering with a trusted medical credentialing company offers numerous benefits to healthcare organizations, including improved patient safety and quality of care. However, another significant advantage is the potential for cost savings through enhanced operational efficiency. By streamlining processes and reducing errors, these companies can help organizations operate more efficiently, ultimately leading to reduced costs.
One way that a trusted medical credentialing company can enhance efficiency is by automating many of the manual tasks involved in the credentialing process. This includes verifying credentials, conducting background checks, and maintaining accurate records. By utilizing advanced software systems and databases, these companies can quickly and easily access information on providers’ education, training, licensure, and work history – all while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, automated workflows allow for faster turnaround times on applications and renewals, which can significantly reduce administrative burdens and improve overall productivity. Overall, partnering with a trusted medical credentialing company can be an effective strategy for healthcare organizations looking to optimize their operations while delivering high-quality care to patients.
Another way that working with a trusted medical credentialing company can help reduce costs is by minimizing errors related to provider data management. Errors in provider data – such as incorrect contact information or out-of-date certifications – can lead to delays in scheduling appointments or even result in legal liability issues due to non-compliance with regulations. With sophisticated database management tools at their disposal, these companies are better equipped than most healthcare organizations to maintain complete and accurate records on individual providers. Moreover, they have well-established procedures for updating this information regularly so that it remains current over time. By avoiding costly mistakes associated with inaccurate provider data management practices, healthcare organizations stand to benefit greatly from partnering with a reputable medical credentialing firm.
Choosing The Right Medical Credentialing Partner For Your Organization
When choosing a medical credentialing partner, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is experience and reputation in the industry. Look for a company with a proven track record of success in helping healthcare organizations manage their credentialing needs. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the company has expertise in your specific area of practice or specialty.
Another factor to consider is technology and software capabilities. Your chosen partner should have up-to-date systems that can efficiently manage all aspects of credentialing, including data entry, tracking, and reporting. Red flags to watch out for include companies without proper certifications or those that use outdated or inefficient processes. It’s also crucial to confirm that they comply with relevant regulations and laws governing medical credentialing. By taking these factors into account when selecting a medical credentialing partner, you can ensure efficient and effective management of your organization’s credentials while minimizing risk and ensuring compliance.
Conclusion
Partnering with a trusted medical credentialing company can help healthcare organizations streamline their operations and ensure the accuracy of provider data. While the cost of partnering with such a company may vary depending on the specific services required, it is generally worth investing in to avoid potential errors or delays in the credentialing process.
Medical credentialing companies typically use advanced technology platforms to manage provider data and automate workflows. This helps speed up the enrollment and contracting process with insurance companies while ensuring that all information is accurate and complete. Metaphorically speaking, working with a reliable medical credentialing company is like having a skilled navigator guiding you through uncharted waters – they provide essential support and guidance to help you reach your destination safely and efficiently.
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