MTC: Apple's UK Retreat - Navigating Client Confidentiality in a Post-ADP World 🌍🔐

Lawyers need to be aware of foreign governments’ software security permissions when traveling abroad! ✈️

In the wake of Apple's recent withdrawal of Advanced Data Protection (ADP) from the UK, lawyers face a critical challenge in safeguarding client confidentiality. This development underscores the ongoing tension between government surveillance demands and the legal profession's ethical obligations. As tech-savvy legal professionals, we must adapt our practices to ensure robust data protection, particularly when traveling with Apple devices.

The New Landscape of Digital Security 📱💼

Apple's decision to remove ADP from the UK market stems from governmental pressure to create backdoors for law enforcement access. This move significantly impacts the level of encryption available to UK users, potentially exposing sensitive client information to increased vulnerabilities. Lawyers must now reassess their digital security strategies, especially when crossing borders with client data.

* The US government has come out in support of Apple on this issue - I don’t quite know what to make of it. 🤔

* The US government has come out in support of Apple on this issue - I don’t quite know what to make of it. 🤔

Practical Steps for Lawyers 🛡️📊

1. Device Sanitization: Before international travel, thoroughly sanitize your devices. Remove non-essential client data and consider using "travel-only" devices with minimal sensitive information1.

2. Encryption Alternatives: With ADP unavailable, explore third-party encryption tools compatible with Apple devices. Solutions like VeraCrypt or Cryptomator can provide an additional layer of security for client files.

3. VPN Usage: Always use a reputable VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. This practice encrypts your internet traffic, making it significantly harder for malicious actors to intercept sensitive data4.

4. Cloud Storage Considerations: Reevaluate your use of iCloud for storing client information. Consider alternative cloud services with robust encryption or, preferably, on-premises storage solutions for highly sensitive data.

5. Two-Factor Authentication: Implement strong two-factor authentication on all accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, even if passwords are compromised3.

Advising Clients on Data Protection 📝🔒

When counseling clients on data security while traveling:

Cybersecurity should be on your mind before you travel overseas! Know before you go!

1. Education is Key: Inform clients about the risks associated with international data transfer and storage. Emphasize the importance of encryption and cautious data handling practices.

2. Device Management: Advise clients to use dedicated travel devices when possible, containing only essential data. Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords and biometric authentication.

3. Data Minimization: Recommend that clients only carry necessary data when traveling. Sensitive information should be securely stored and accessed remotely only when absolutely required.

4. Secure Communication Channels: Suggest using end-to-end encrypted messaging apps for sensitive communications. Apps like Signal or WhatsApp provide a higher level of security compared to standard SMS or email.

5. Regular Security Audits: Encourage clients to regularly review their device and account security settings. This includes checking for unauthorized access and updating software promptly.

Crossing Borders: ADP vs. Non-ADP Countries 🛂🔐

When traveling between countries with different ADP policies, lawyers and their clients must take additional precautions:

1. Data Backup: Before leaving an ADP-permitted country, securely back up all ADP-protected data to a trusted cloud service or encrypted external drive.

2. Disable ADP: When entering a non-ADP country, disable ADP on your devices. This prevents potential conflicts with local laws and reduces the risk of forced access.

3. Temporary Device Switch: Consider using a separate, "clean" device when entering non-ADP countries, leaving your ADP-enabled device securely stored elsewhere.

4. Re-enable ADP: Upon returning to an ADP-permitted country, re-enable the feature and restore your data from the secure backup.

5. Client Notification: Inform clients about the potential risks and your mitigation strategies when traveling between ADP and non-ADP jurisdictions.

The Broader Implications 🌐⚖️

lawyers need to be aware of other countries security standards when advising their clients who travel internationally! 🌎 🌍 🌏

The removal of ADP in the UK sets a concerning precedent that may embolden other governments to demand similar concessions. This trend could lead to a global weakening of encryption standards, posing significant challenges to attorney-client privilege and data security worldwide.

As legal professionals, we must stay informed about these developments and advocate for policies that protect client confidentiality. Engaging with bar associations and legal organizations to take a stand against government-mandated backdoors is crucial for preserving the integrity of our legal system.

Final Thoughts: Vigilance in a Changing World 🚀🔐

The withdrawal of Apple's ADP from the UK serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of digital privacy. As guardians of client confidentiality, lawyers must rise to this challenge, implementing robust security measures and staying informed about technological developments. By doing so, we can continue to uphold our ethical obligations and protect our clients' interests in an increasingly complex digital world. Remember, in the realm of digital security, complacency is our greatest enemy. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and always prioritize the protection of your clients' sensitive information.

MTC

🎙️ Ep 101, Unpacking Tech Travel Tips with Globetrotting Pro, Pete Harman, your essential guide toward connectivity on the go!

Our next guest is Pete Harmon. Pete is not just a veteran and an experienced pilot for a major air delivery service with decades of travel experience but also the co-host of the long-running "Mac Geek Gab" podcast and the creator of "So There I Was," an aviation-focused storytelling podcast. In this episode, Pete shares his wealth of knowledge on staying connected while traversing the globe. His insights are particularly valuable for legal professionals who need to maintain seamless communication and productivity, whether they're traveling locally, across state lines, or internationally. From essential gadgets to connectivity hacks, Pete's tips will help you navigate the digital landscape of modern travel with confidence.

To cap off our episode, Pet shares a riveting war-era anecdote about a pilot blinded in action who ingeniously used his plane's mechanical technology to rescue an injured marine 20 miles away!

Join Pete and me as we discuss the following three questions and more!

1. What are the top three tech tips for getting on and using the internet during your national and international travels?

2. What are your favorite top three war stories regarding computer tech issues on the road?

3. What are the top three tech gadgets you bring besides your phone, laptop, or tablet when traveling?

B1  What are Pete’s top three favorite non-tech gadgets he brings on travel?

B2.  What are Pete's top three tips or suggestions about going through security with tech?

In our conversation, we cover the following:

[00:42] Pete's Tech Setup

[05:57] Top 3 Tech Tips for Staying Connected While Traveling

[17:52] War Stories and Tech Mishaps

[26:50] 3 Must-Have Tech Gadgets for Travel

[32:11] Favorite Non-Tech Gadgets for Travel

[42:22]  Connect with Pete

Resources:

Connect with Pete:

• Mac Geek Gab: macgeekgab.com/

• So There I Was: sothereiwas.us/

Hardware mentioned in the conversation:

• AirFly Pro: twelvesouth.com/products/airfly

• Anker 100W Cube Charger: anker.com/products/a2343-100w-usb-c-charger

• Anker Slim Flat Laptop Charger: anker.com/collections/for-laptops

• Audio-Technica USB Microphone: audio-technica.com/en-eu/microphones/wired/type/usb

• GL-MT3000 Travel Router: gl-inet.com/products/gl-mt3000/

• Pokefi Portable WiFi: mypokefi.com/

• Ultimate Ears Bluetooth Speaker: ultimateears.com/en-us

Software & Cloud Services mentioned in the conversation:

• AT&T: att.com/international/

• Channels DVR: getchannels.com/dvr-server/

• Mint Mobile: mintmobile.com/

• NeverSSL – neverssl.com/

• OpenVPN – openvpn.net/

• SiriusXM: siriusxm.com/

• Synology NAS: synology.com/en-au/support/nas_selector

• T-Mobile: t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans

• TuneIn: tunein.com/

• Verizon: verizon.com/plans/international/international-travel/

• WireGuard VPN– wireguard.com/

How to Wednesday: A Lawyer's Guide to Keeping Tech Screens Clean: Preserving Clarity and Professionalism.

In the legal profession, where every detail matters and first impressions are crucial, maintaining clean and clear technology screens is more than just a matter of hygiene; it's a reflection of our professionalism. As lawyers, we often overlook this simple yet significant aspect of our daily tech use. Here are practical tips on how to keep your screens spotless, ensuring that your technology mirrors the clarity and precision you bring to your work.

Understanding the Importance

Your appearance is more than just wearing a good suit. The way your tech is maintained can be a reflection on you and your professionalism.

First, let's understand why clean screens are essential for lawyers. A smudge-free screen improves visibility and reduces eye strain, especially during those long hours of document review or virtual meetings. Moreover, a clean screen in your office or during a client meeting subtly conveys a message of meticulousness and orderliness.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Materials

The key to effective screen cleaning lies in using the right materials. Avoid using paper towels, rough cloths, or any material that can scratch the screen. Instead, opt for microfiber cloths, which are soft and designed to trap dust and oils without leaving streaks or lint. I am very happy buying these microfiber cloths on Amazon. They are soft and fluffy and do a really good job at a very reasonable price.

For cleaning solutions, it's crucial to avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or alcohol-based cleaners, which can damage screen coatings. A safe bet is a solution specifically designed for electronics.  

The Cleaning Process

I love these cloths - I find them to be a good deal, effective, and fluffy!

• Power Down: Always turn off and unplug your device before cleaning. This not only prevents damage but also makes it easier to see dirt and fingerprints.

• Dust First: Gently wipe the screen with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust. Avoid pressing too hard, as screens are sensitive.

• Apply Cleaner Sparingly: Never spray cleaner directly onto the screen. Instead, lightly dampen your microfiber cloth with the cleaning solution.

• Gentle Wipes: Use gentle, circular motions to wipe the screen. Start from the center and move outwards. Avoid excessive pressure.

• Dry and Buff: After cleaning, use a dry part of the cloth to remove any remaining streaks, giving your screen a polished look.

Daily care will help you keep your tech in good physical shape!

Frequency and Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key. For lawyers whose screens are in constant use, a daily wipe-down with a microfiber cloth is advisable. A more thorough cleaning with a solution can be done weekly or as needed.

Additional Tips

• Keep a microfiber cloth and a small spray bottle of your cleaning solution at your desk for convenience - make sure the bottle meets TSA Guidelines for carry-on luggage (3.4 ounces or less per container) so you can take it with you when you fly.

• If you're using a laptop or a mobile device in court or meetings, ensure it's clean beforehand to maintain professionalism.

• Be mindful of the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning your specific device.

TSA only allows you to carry a 3.4 ounce liquid container when you fly!

Remember, being "tech-savvy" is more than just knowing how to use your tech! Keeping your tech screens clean is a small but significant practice that enhances your professional image as a lawyer. It not only ensures the longevity of your devices but also reflects your attention to detail and respect for your work environment. By incorporating these simple steps into your routine, you can maintain screens that are as clear and sharp as your legal arguments.

There is an App for That! From Home or Office to Gate to Destination and Back, there is an App to make your airline travel is Holiday easier!

In today's fast-paced post-COVID world, air travel has increasingly become an integral part of our lives. Whether for business or pleasure, we all rely on technology to enhance our travel experiences. From booking flights and travel accommodations to navigating new destinations, travel tech has revolutionized how we explore the world. One of the most significant advancements in travel tech is mobile applications (apps). These apps have streamlined every aspect of traveling, making it easier than ever before. As we approach the holiday travel season, let's look at some handy mobile apps before you jet off! ✈️

Car apps can make it easier to get to the airport or get around at your destination.
tip - don’t sit in the car like the young lady on right!

Car Travel 🚗 to and from the Airport:  You may want to take a taxi to and from your home or office. But taking a taxi can seem so last millennium. 🙄 Uber and Lyft are ridesharing services that have apps to allow you to plan ahead and schedule your car pickup or request a pickup when you are ready (depending on availability). They can be cheaper and more convenient than a traditional taxi service. You can pay through your app (with a credit card), easily split the cost with other riders, and monitor your ride's progress. But before you leave for your trip, check and make sure your flight is still on time, and when you call for a ride from the airport that you have your luggage, know your airport's ride-sharing pickup spots! 🚔

Airline mobile appls can offer powerful travel information in real time to its customers!
Copyright © 2024 United Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.

You should be using Airline Mobile Apps before, during, and after your flight:  The airline you are traveling on should have its own mobile app. American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines, to name a few. Those that have mobile applications not only allow you to book your flight, pick your seat, check-in online 24 hours in advance, buy your luggage tickets, track your luggage, and provide you with a mobile passenger ticket but also allow you to check the status of your flight and receive alerts if there are going to be delays – some airlines have smartwatch apps that sync with your phone. These smartwatch apps allow you to pull up some of your air travel itineraries and even check in at the gate! Upon landing, you can check your app for the gate of your connecting flight, or, if you've reached the end of your air travels, find what carousel your luggage is located. The airline apps may also have maps of the airports you're traveling through!

DOwnload MYTSA App to help you move through airports with ease!

Government Applications:  Most airports should also have mobile apps where you can find airport maps and lists of services at the airport (pre- or post- Transportation Security Administration check-in). The MYTSA App provides helpful information, including standard wait times for security checkpoints and identifying which lanes are open. For those traveling in the United States, check the Federal Aviation Administration website to check for airport status and delays and see what is happening in the region and across the country.

My wife and I were flying back from a vacation in Canada when we were on the plane at the gate for what I thought was a little too long. I looked at my FAA app and discovered that the region we were flying through had been closed due to fog. I knew before the airline "made the announcement" that we were going nowhere. Once I knew for sure our situation, I used a hotel app (below) to book a hotel room and a car-service app (as discussed above) to get us to our hotel and settle us in for a couple of days– we ended up having a fun mini-vacation in Toronto! 🍁

Hotel and Car Rental Apps. Most major hotels, regardless of pricing and size, have mobile apps that allow you to reserve your room, check-in, and even serve as your room key through wireless access. Likewise, most major car rental services have apps that allow you to book, check in, and update car reservations – suddenly stuck at your departing or transfer airport, arriving late, or even if your flight is canceled, you can instantly update your hotel and car rental reservations.

Tripit’s free version offers powerful tools to aggregate your various trip criteria like car rental, air line and train tickets, and hotel reservations

Travel Itinerary Apps. Switching from one app to another to keep track of your trip itinerary can be confusing. This is where a travel aggregator mobile app comes in handy. I use the free version of TripIt. TripIt's free version has both a mobile and desktop app. I can send travel receipts to it, and the app will automatically organize everything into the different trip itineraries I set up. I can send my travel itinerary to let others know my travel details. And I can review all the necessary travel information in one handy spot! There is a TripIt Pro version if you want a little more from the app -- I've been quite happy with the free version over the years. 🤗

Embracing these mobile applications can save you time, money, and stress during your holiday travels.

Happy Lawyering!!!

 🛫 🛬 Happy Travels! 🛫 🛬 • 🕎 🎅🏻 Happy Holidays! 🎄☃️ • Happy Lawyering! 👩‍⚖️👨‍⚖️ •

 🛫 🛬 Happy Travels! 🛫 🛬 • 🕎 🎅🏻 Happy Holidays! 🎄☃️ • Happy Lawyering! 👩‍⚖️👨‍⚖️ •

Malpractice Alert! If you are using a mobile device for your work and not using a VPN, you are exposing yourself to trouble.

Earlier I had mentioned that the ABA Model Rules require attorneys to be proficient in technology and its continuing changes as it relates to our work. You also have the responsibility to protect your clients' information. It’s become more commonplace for attorneys to use mobile phones, tablets, and laptops on public WiFi to get their work done. Your technology either has on its hard drive or access through cloud storage your clients personal/proprietary information.

I know some of you may feel that “who is going to bother little ole’ me?” But whether it be your local coffee shop, an airport terminal or even your hotel’s internet, there are opportunists everywhere! So the question is “how do I protect myself and my clients' information on the internet?” That is where a “VPN” service comes in.

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It creates an impenetrable tunnel preventing onlookers from “peaking” in. There are an abundant amount of VPN services out there. I use Encrypt.me. Things I like about it are factors you should consider for your own VPN service (and there are many to choose from): First, its multi-device for one subscription! I use it on my laptop, my iPad, my iPhone and my Surface Pro 6. Second, its a snap to install. Third, it turns on automatically when my WiFi finds a new broadcaster and remembers which broadcasts are “safe” and those that need some protection.

Lastly, several services offer a one-payment solution for lifetime service. My concern with that type of service is simple. The lack of a revenue stream gives the company no incentive to innovate and improve its service. I’m sure the landscape will change in ten, five or even a year. You’ll have to ask yourself, will the service you plunked down a bit of cash to be future proof.

If you are paying a monthly or even a pro-rated yearly subscription, the company will likely want to keep you around. Thus, an all-the-more reason to continue improving the product. And, if you don’t like what it is doing in the future, cancel it!

In future posts, I’ll discuss using secure passwords, Windows v. Mac and other topics I hope you find useful. Meanwhile, please keep your comments coming!

Michael