Keeping Computers Private

In 1984, George Orwell’s protagonist Winston Smith knew that “Big Brother” was watching—monitoring his movements, listening to his conversations, and manipulating the public’s information. In 2003, a host of unseen entities can see what we do, read what we write, and steal our identities with no indication of intrusion. They need only to slither into our networks and seize the files stored on our computers’ hard drives.

What kind of information is on our computers?

Computers track every single thing we do on them. In addition to the data files we knowingly create, they record the keystrokes we use, the Internet sites we visit, the files we download, the chat rooms we frequent, and all correspondence. If we balance financial accounts, pay bills, and place orders online, all the relevant information remains stored on our hard drive for prying eyes to find.

Much of this data is retained in hidden files, so we can’t see it. Many people think deleting files, clearing our browser’s cache, or even reformatting our hard drive erases this information, but that is not the case. Anyone who knows what to look for and has the right tools can find this information and use it against us.

How do these files become vulnerable?

There are many avenues by which thieves can access confidential files. Our computers are susceptible to security breaches through “back doors” in software and hardware. Trojans, viruses, monitoring software, and spyware can surreptitiously broadcast personal information from any Internet-connected computer. Even retired computers that have been “wiped clean” are often ticking time bombs containing sensitive information that can be harvested. In fact, when students at MIT undertook a project to study computers that had been discarded or sold, they were able to retrieve a great deal of personal information from them.

What does this mean for personal security?

It is absolutely critical to regulate access to the home network and computer's file structure. In the wrong hands, confidential documents, such as financial spreadsheets, resumes, biographies and letters, can reveal peronal secrets, enable destruction of stored information, and facilitate theft of funds. A comprehensive plan must be in place to ensure confidential information remains secure. This includes making certain no spyware or "back door" programs are already on the computer. Make certain that all information which is deleted is permanently erased. Periodically inspect the computer for software and hardware that may be stealing your personal information.

Failure to follow a plan of safety can lead to identity theft, which is one of the fastest growing threats to our security. In a 2002 press release, the Justice Department warned that as many as 700,000 people per year may become victims of identity theft. Thieves relentlessly search for security lapses in computers and home networks. All it takes is one opportunity to access our personal information, and they can clean out our bank accounts, play havoc with our lives, and lead us on an expensive and frustrating odyssey to restore our good names.

How can we help protect your company?

●assess computer privacy and locate threats to personal security

●assess network privacy and locate threats to personal security

●recommend an effective strategy to provide secure methods of storing, documenting, and protecting data

●monitor network and computer activities to determine use and misuse

●analyze hard drive content, identify potential sources of data, and extract data

●ensure that information is completely erased from retired equipment so that it can never be recovered