Was your phone imaged by border agents? They may still have the data

A new report by the Department of Homeland Security’s internal watchdog has concluded that the agency does not always adequately delete data seized as part of a border search of electronic devices, among other concerns.

According to a new 24-page document released Tuesday by DHS’ Office of Inspector General, investigators found that some USB sticks, containing data copied from electronic devices searched at the border, "had not been deleted after the searches were completed."

Investigators checked an unspecified number of drives across five ports of entry around the country. "Based on our physical inspection, as well as the lack of a written policy, it appears [Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations] has not universally implemented the requirement to delete copied information, increasing the risk of unauthorized disclosure of travelers’ data should thumb drives be lost or stolen," the OIG wrote.