View Full Version : What scanned documents to keep on usb
I am getting a safe deposit box today and want to scan the important stuff like birth certificate, SS card DL titles to vehicles insurance cards stuff like that before I put them in. Any recommendations on what else i should have scanned on a USB for the BOB?
mcantar18c
09-13-2011, 14:59
Passport would be about all I can think of.
Passport would be about all I can think of.
never left the country besides a C130 flight to British Columbia and a couple drunkin stumbles back from mexico
Life/homeowner's insurance docs. Any prehistoric craftsman tap/die/drill bit set lifetime wty cards you might have lol.
jerrymrc
09-13-2011, 15:27
Life/homeowner's insurance docs. Any prehistoric craftsman tap/die/drill bit set lifetime wty cards you might have lol.
Do not forget the radio shack battery of the month club card. Actully I never thought about that. I have one that has a ton of books, family photos and pics of all my stuff with serial #'s but never thought about scanning the birth certificate, passport and such. Thanks for a good thought. [Beer]
StagLefty
09-13-2011, 15:58
Record of firearms-important receipts-pics of big cost items-I'm thinking of proof for insurance claims [Beer]
Byte Stryke
09-13-2011, 16:31
Record of firearms-important receipts-pics of big cost items-I'm thinking of proof for insurance claims [Beer]
this
titles, claims, wills, anything you have in your oh shit bag
Have you seen the "Listening to Katrina" blog? The guy lays all this stuff out pretty well, and even has some pdf's that you can print out and use as a checklist.
Listening to Katrina (http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/blogs/klessons/)
keep those usb keys encrypted... or else if someone finds it you are SOL
keep those usb keys encrypted... or else if someone finds it you are SOL
what level do you suggest? 128k or 256k. I have a couple encryption programs but the only problem i see is your comp with the program on it dies a horrible death somehow how would you go about decrypting to make the documents useful?
theGinsue
09-15-2011, 20:27
Double bag them in ESD (anti-static) bags too. this MAY help protect them from getting wiped by an EMP blast (of course you'll need a non-effected computer to read 'em.
Don't forget maps. I have maps downloaded that have different evacuation routes, meeting places etc.. one USB in each BOB just incase the group gets seperated.
what level do you suggest? 128k or 256k. I have a couple encryption programs but the only problem i see is your comp with the program on it dies a horrible death somehow how would you go about decrypting to make the documents useful?
I use truecrypt, keep the encryption files on the USB key, when I need the encrypted volume, mount the volume enter the PW and I have access
also keep an external HDD and another USB key in the safe.
you will be surprised how durable theses USB keys are, I've washed mine in my jean pockets and dried them and it didn't kill the key.
KevDen2005
09-15-2011, 23:07
I use truecrypt, keep the encryption files on the USB key, when I need the encrypted volume, mount the volume enter the PW and I have access
also keep an external HDD and another USB key in the safe.
you will be surprised how durable theses USB keys are, I've washed mine in my jean pockets and dried them and it didn't kill the key.
I would love to know what you guys are talking about but I am completely lost.
I would love to know what you guys are talking about but I am completely lost.
with kwandos program which i just downloaded[Beer]
it allows files to be stored on a usb jump drive encrypted but also has a boot file in it so that instead of needing a dedicated program on your computer to access the data, it allows a password to be entered and the files are accessible.
ETA not exactly how it works after reading up on it but a good basic description
KevDen2005
09-16-2011, 02:24
with kwandos program which i just downloaded[Beer]
it allows files to be stored on a usb jump drive encrypted but also has a boot file in it so that instead of needing a dedicated program on your computer to access the data, it allows a password to be entered and the files are accessible.
ETA not exactly how it works after reading up on it but a good basic description
Well I want one!!!
If no computer works in SHTF situation happens you won't need your docs. Start a new life on top of a mountain somewhere.
with kwandos program which i just downloaded[Beer]
it allows files to be stored on a usb jump drive encrypted but also has a boot file in it so that instead of needing a dedicated program on your computer to access the data, it allows a password to be entered and the files are accessible.
ETA not exactly how it works after reading up on it but a good basic description
Keep truecrypt on a folder on the usb key... no need to install anything on your PC/Laptop, when you insert the key, go to the folder to run truecrypt.
there are some FreeOTFE (on the fly encryption) but I didn't like that program.
Just remember to unplug your USB if you have to reinstall your O/S. I kept mine plugged in at install and it got wiped clean![Rant1] And no tech forum guys are/were aware of this issue!
TrueCrypt is an excellent program, +1 on the advice above.
That being said, I wouldn't trust a single USB key, as most of them use really low-end NAND flash memory. Stick to good brand names (SanDisk, Crucial, etc.) and if it's going into a deposit box, use several USB keys for redundancy.
If not written much and if kept at reasonable temperatures, flash will hold data for a very long time (10-50+ years) but if stored in a hot attic in Phoenix, it may not last even a year.
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