[derefr]

Exactly what have they got, if you never connect it to a network afterward, either? A key-log that never makes it back to them?

(I’m presuming here that the laptop is openable, and that you will do so and physically remove any wi-fi M.2 card from it — and associated antennae — since you won’t be using it. There might be some sort of extra surface-mount snooper chip left onboard that could replicate the same function — but without big antennas, how’s it going to report?)

[snypher]

You might not understand the depth to which you can be exploited. They will simply let you use your laptop and switch your USB cable, which has a built in 6ft antenna.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NSA_COTTONMOUTH-I.jpg

[BlueTemplar]

Researchers have been able to make integrated circuits emit radio waves.

[_jal]

Perhaps with something like this?

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2014/03/ragemaster_ns...

Or this?

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2014/03/cottonmouth-i...

If you have actually attracted the attention of the NSA, pulling your NIC is playground stuff.

[xxpor]

Ignoring the larger context, but just technologically, RAGEMASTER sounds freakin' sweet. Like that's actually amazing.