Data privacy when sending computer to Apple

[thermarest]

Does this make anybody else nervous? Do you do anything about it or just cross fingers?

Tax forms, probably credit card numbers, SSN in at least 20 different files, enough evidence for the RIAA to make a pretty good case, blah blah...all sorts of stuff. I mean, most of my pR0n is probably legal so that isn't as big a deal, but man there's a bunch of junk on my computer. On the one hand, seems like Apple would get hit pretty hard if word got out that their employees were digging around in people's data. On the other hand, there was that story a few years back about the Circuit City customer who ended up in jail for kiddie porn.

[cbelt3]

Follow this basic rule set:

0- BACK UP YOUR DATA
1- If you keep information on your computer that you don't want anyone to see.... Set it up so nobody CAN see it.
2- If you keep information on your computer that can get you in trouble.... don't. Use an external drive or something else.
3- If you CAN, before you send a mac in for service, reformat the hard drive with a 'write zero' 'military class' overwrite. Then reinstall the OS.

[thermarest]

0 - covered
1 - Any suggestions for this?
2 - Um, no comment, but I have a friend who might have had something on his computer once
3 - I *could* of course, but what a PITA. Plus, if I did this I would feel the need for a 2nd clone/3rd copy

[AAA]

I take two opposite takes

1. Keep all your personal data on a network drive, perhaps encrypted

2. Different take: If all the world DID know all my data, would I care?

But, for tack number 1, there is always the filevault thing. Or Drobo-type storage/NAS stuff.

[Tofer]

While I think there is a chance that your data could get stolen from an Apple tech employee, I think it is slim. First of all, they have to turn around the computers pretty fast, and the odds of someone taking the time to search through your hard drive for info that can be used is low. Besides, most of the data you mention isn't going to get you in trouble (no one at Apple is going to send a letter to the RIAA with the names of your MP3s...), and the sensitive data that could be used to steal from you is probably minimal (e.g., credit card theft generally doesn't result in money out of your pocket). SS #s are important, but not really that hard to come by.

I've never worried about it, and I've sent a number of laptops to Apple to get fixed. I'm more worried about data loss, which is why I keep a couple of good backups.

-Tofer

[yeoman]

1. Clear all logs, user cache, temp files, browser history/cache (use MainMenu or similar)
2. Enable Secure Virtual Memory (sys prefs/security)
3. If you don'y want your email readable create encrypted dmg files with Mail and Mail Download and set up symbolic links to Mail and Mail Download (~/library)
4. Same with Address Book
5. Don't use browser password fill, instead use 1Password
6. Store all sensitive files on encrypted dmg files
7. Use different password for user login and keychain login
8. If you've got apps you shouldn't have use MainMenu to Show Invisibles then temporarily add prefix "." (dot) to change name. and revert to Hide Invisibles

or

Do backup and wipe internal HD with zeros (multiple times if you have time but probably overkill), then do clean install

[ADent]

They have sold refurb computers with all the original owners data still there (ie the reformat and install step got skipped). Rare, but possible.

[yeoman]

Also...

Set up temporary separate "standard" (not Admin) account for Apple and don't give your admin login.

[Rick-o]

yeoman wrote:
Also...

Set up temporary separate "standard" (not Admin) account for Apple and don't give your admin login.

That doesn't work at my local authorized Apple repair shop. They want the admin P/W even though I set up a separate account for them. I'm not really comfortable with that.

I've considered keeping a spare drive with a fresh install of the OS, and just swap it out if I need to take it in for repairs.