Shocker! PC repairmen aren't to be trusted

http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/22/shocker-pc-repairmen-arent-to-be-trusted/

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Disgusting. There must be some way of screening for such unscrupulous types...

 

This is to be expected....I mean do people really think that the tech is NOT going to go through all your stuff on your computer?

Honestly I can't believe that people actually take their computers in to get fixed.

 

Yes, people really do think a tech won't go through their personal data, why should they not think so? There is no shock here, this happens every single day in computer shops and big retail outlets with repair centers world-wide. But just because it DOES happen, it doesn't mean people should EXPECT it. As far as people taking the units in to be fixed, I'm sorry, though most of us here at Wilders expect for people to have basic security knowledge and at least protect themselves with a firewall/antivirus, we CANNOT expect them to know how to make repairs on a computer.

If you don't know what you're doing, trying to repair a computer can destroy it, and, in some cases, it can hurt you, possibly badly. Being too lazy to understand the need for and using the most basic security apps and practices, and diving into computer repairs are two entirely different worlds.

 

the solution if possible is to take the hard drive out before sending it back. plus use a trusted technician. i dont go through people's data when i fix their computers.

 

This should not come as such a surprise to anyone as the practice is as old as time.....but it does sometimes reap its reward aka the capture of ole perv himself mr glitter was as a result of such a practice.

 

Which is a dangerous way of looking at it as that is how laws end up being enacted allowing and /or requiring the snooping to continue. Just because there is a chance to catch a criminal, it doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. Trust me, more innocents will be looked at unfairly or even harmed than criminals caught.

 

Computer repair men, law enforcement, family, friends, etc. What do all these people have in common? They'll all go through your stuff when you're not around. I've seen it a thousand times. Leave your computer or any other belongings unguarded around anyone, trusted or not, and they'll go through your stuff and put it all back like it never happened.

Sorry, it's just human nature. EVERYONE is like that. Never assume someone will not go through your stuff. It's actually the rare person that won't do it.

 

That is why people use strong passwords and use encripted password managers use security software like Sandboxie and Defence wall erase index.dats do freespace wipes with a Eraser type softwarer scan for spyware and use Truecrypt or another encryption software. Beside using a firewall/router and AV.

 

Sadly your right, I'm surprised that people are surprised about this, given the chance computer mechanics will go through your private data. motor mechanics go through your car, take your clothes to the laundry and the pockets will be checked to see what you left in them, and painters, builders etc would go through your house if you left them there by themselves ....................... ok, maybe not all of them but I suspect a fair amount of them would given the opportunity ........... trust no one, it's every man for her\himself out there ................. that may be a tad over the top but you know what I mean.

Not just Mr.Glitter, there have been many pedophiles caught by computer techs, and they are lucky that the crime of pedophilia and dealing in child porn is far more abhorrent and disgusting compared with sneeking a peek through someones private data otherwise instead of getting a slap on the back and a thank you they would be getting slapped in the slammer.

Yep your right, is it right to break the law in order to catch somebody else breaking the law. It's a very, very slippery slope that one and open to all kinds of abuse. Personally I find the whole hidden camera thing just a tad unsavory to put it mildly, particularly media organisations whos main interest is ratings no matter how they dress things up to make it look like they are doing the right thing. In Australia there has already been one suicide [that I'm aware of] of some poor sap who was ripping off customers fixing their video recorders, instead of going to the police they ran the story on one of the main shock/horror current affair shows and of course the target came out looking like jack the ripper. http://www.oup.com.au/orc/extra_pag...and__patching/aca_and_the_unfortunate_suicide
Call me a little straight but I don't think a life for a few over priced video repairs was much of a deal.

 

In my area a couple years ago, we had a guy take his PC in for repair because of a virus. The technician, of course, went through all of his personal files, internet history, etc., and eventually found KP pictures. The guy who owned the PC was arrested, tried and convicted and sits in prison right now.

Obviously, the tech's invasion of privacy worked out for good in this instance, but in most instances, they are doing nothing but being nosey and/or stealing personal info.

Bottom line: if one is computer illiterate enough to need to take a PC in for repair, one must understand that the technician will look through all of your personal files/folders/Internet history. This type of thing happens in most instances.

 

I hope that tech gets his comeuppance as well.

 

Many computers break down while they are still under warranty, and of course the majority of users will be strongly motivated to take in their broken PCs for a free repair. The obvious solution is to encrypt all private and/or personal data long before this possibility arises.