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How security conscious are you with your data ?

by solado
3 replies
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Bit of an interesting one, but how security conscious are you with your data on your desktops, laptops, smart phones and other storage media ?

Little bit of a story incoming im afraid !

I am at work currently (yep, still in the rat race) and work as a computer technician, not 30 minutes ago some guy brought in his laptop for repair; basically he locked him self out the machine and has viruses riddled all over it - which isn't uncommon. Anyway, within 10 minutes i have removed his windows password and have access to his entire data and lone behold on his desktop is the following file names:
  • Sales Figures 2010
  • Sales Figures to date
  • CV (Has all his personal information on)
  • Business data and contacts
  • Tax and vat no
His most interesting file is:
  • Credit card information
Now this got me thinking about how secure people are online, this guy has everything on his laptop and for me to look at. Worst of all is his computer is virus infested so his data is liable to be accessed.
Fortunately for this guy im trying to help him but needless to say i will be giving him a lecture about security when he comes to collect it !



What security precautions do you take ?



Me personally i encrypt everything i save on my computer related to business use, also encrypt all storage devices such as USB thumb drives.



Be safe online... Especially when it comes to leaving data for the world to see !
  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    Well, I use the sterile environment concept, which is used by MOST security concious people, companies, airports, etc....

    Basically, I have a password or other gateway system protecting my data from the outside world. That said, most financial and password data IS encrypted such that you need ANOTHER password to get to IT, once you find it.

    USB drives violate the sterile environment idea, so I keep a close eye on them. Companies have lately either prohibited them, or force encryption of any device written on.

    PAPER can violate the sterile environment approach, so I generally SHRED anything that I throw out that is sensitive.

    Nothing is 100% though.

    BTW people HAVE to let ME, or you, see their data. I hope you realize that if you even reveal an unusual file name, etc, that it could be a violation of trust.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author iidesu
    backup your important files regularly on separate storage devices( DVDs, portable hard drive disks)
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    gabriella psychic
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by iidesu View Post

      backup your important files regularly on separate storage devices( DVDs, portable hard drive disks)
      YEP, GREAT idea! That way, if they steal your personal information, you will STILL always know when and where you were born, and where you do your banking!

      Steve
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