HELLFIRE https://www.theregister.com/2025/04/15/ec_burner_devices/ The European Commission is giving staffers visiting the US on official business burner laptops and phones to avoid espionage attempts, according to the Financial Times. The use of clean and locked-down hardware is common practice for anyone visiting China, Russia, and other states where aggressive electronic surveillance is expected. Apparently the European Union has added the United States to that list. “The transatlantic alliance is over,” an EU official told the newspaper, which reported the commission “is issuing burner phones and basic laptops to some US-bound staff to avoid the risk of espionage — a measure traditionally reserved for trips to China.” Next week, officials from the EU are due in Washington DC for the spring meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund. Four sources told the FT the EC had changed its guidance to ensure that visitors to America take serious precautions against cyber-espionage. “They are worried about the US getting into the commission systems,” said one. … A European Commission spokesperson, an in email to The Register, did not deny equipment was being handed out to staff as reported. And while the spinner claimed the commission had not issued formal guidance to use burner laptops and phones, they did admit it had tweaked its recommendations. … Regards
egeezer HELLFIRE Their increased communications security is quite reasonable. I would not be surprised to see them review and revise their security and information sharing practices to address emerging threats. Security is an ongoing process.
Somewhat-Reticent HELLFIRE to avoid any kind of cyber-attack or hacking issues - not limited to mere espionage. Reduction of Exposure.
Rook HELLFIRE Seems like a reasonable precaution considering the circumstances. Wouldn’t want the Russians to get all of your secrets via an “ally.”