Presumably those Americans attending the Sochi Winter Olympics have done their homework and are mindful of the State Department’s warning about Russian state security. “Travelers should be aware that Russian federal law permits the monitoring, retention and analysis of all data that traverse Russian communication networks, including Internet browsing, e-mail messages, telephone calls and fax transmissions.”
A less diplomatic rendering: Leave your phone and computer at home. Otherwise, it will be corrupted.
It’s all a function of Russia’s SORM–or System of Operative-Investigative Measures–the network with the wherewithal to snag every password, sensitive file or other electronic communication within range. And now it’s too late for house guest Eddie Snowden to be a whistleblower.