DoctorDave™ Computer Repair - Kansas City and Lawrence Logo
FOLLOW US
CALL US
816-301-4335 * By Appointment Only
  • Home
  • About
  • Things We Help With
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Who we help

Your Privacy and Computer Repair

April 30, 2017 by doctordave

When we do computer repair, we see all sorts of personal stuff. It’s not just your Facebook profiles and bank accounts.  We can see your browsing habits, who else you know, every password.  It’s everything that’s on your phone and more.  We take that responsibility seriously, some providers don’t

Mobile Service Desk Best Buy 1

Recently, national news outlets have covered how Geek Squad has acted as a paid informants to the police.   That story really bothered me.  As technicians we have an affirmative duty to protect our client’s privacy. We have access to an unprecedented information not just about a client, but all the people that client interacts with.  All our technicians go through extensive background checks and a rigorous interview process.  That process helps prevent unethical or irresponsible technicians working on machines.

I fully support reporting to law enforcement when we see egregious violations on a system.  In particular, we have a duty to report suspected child pornography.  Geek Squad of Lawrence reported a customer of theirs with child pornogprahy.  The difference between the Lawrence KS and the national story was the circumstances of how the pornography was found.  In the Lawrence case, the Geek Squad found the illegal content because of a problem the client reported related to it.  We’ve been in that situation too.  We don’t open up files or images unless a client specifically requests the investigation or those files show up as containing malware.  Our policy, similar to Geek Squad, is to report content we directly see in the process of a repair.  We never look for it and never examine images.  In my almost thirty years of repair experience, I’ve never had to report an image, but that doesn’t mean I’m not prepared for it.

We also comply with law enforcement requests and court orders.  We’ve only turned over a computer once to law enforcement and that was after a fire.  Before we could do data recovery, law enforcement wanted to see the computer for potential evidence of arson (none was found).  We have however called the police when we suspect a stolen laptop as part of our password reset policy.  In these situations, we’ve helped a few people get reunited with a laptop.  That’s one of the best parts of the job.

Beyond these situations, what is in your computer is your own business.  We’ll protect your privacy and fight for it whenever we can.

Photo by roblawton

Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: computer repair, Geeks Squad, privacy

Share:

Certified Member of Apple Consults network

Services

  • Electronics Recycling
  • General Troubleshooting, Computer Crashes and Repair
  • Backup Setups and Checkups
  • Apple Macintosh Repair: iMac and MacBook
  • iCloud and Apple ID Problems
  • Hacked Systems: Email and Tech Support Scams
  • Windows and Mac Updates and Upgrades
  • New Computer Consults
  • Data Recovery
  • Diagnostics and Estimates

FOLLOW US

Testimonials

  • Matt was on time, fixed the problem, explained what he had done, asked questions about my use of the computer, and treated me respectfully even though I know so little about computers. Read More
    Janet
    Via Get Five Stars
  • Perfect, could not have been better, will call again. Read More
    Dave Evans
    via Get Five Stars
  • Our computer was getting old and giving us a lot of trouble. Dr.Dave helped us purchase a new computer directly from Dell which saved us quite a bit of money. When the new computer arrived, he installed it and added the necessary security all at a very reasonable price Read More
    Geneva Tucker
    via Google Reviews
  • Dr. Dave is always prompt, knowledgeable, and very helpful. He knows his stuff, and is a very pleasant person to talk to about your computer needs. He's fantastic! I especially recommend him for Apple/Mac owners. Read More
    Karen Roberts
    via Google Reviews
  • Very smart guys; high level of quality; efficient service. Read More
    Ron Guerin
    via Google Reviews
  • Dave and Co. are great. They have rapidly solved every problem we've presented to them, show up right on time, and are pleasant and professional. I trust them completely Read More
    Charles Higginson
    via Google Reviews
  • very dedicated to help you with computer problems, questions, or personal challenges with technology. Efficient, effective, and experienced technician. Read More
    Mary
    Get Five Stars
  • Is always very helpful. Read More
    Dan
    Get Five Stars
  • Was prompt. Listened to my questions. Solved the problems. Thanks Read More
    Sue
    Get Five Stars
  • Absolutely Outstanding. Competent and Caring. Thanks a Million. Read More
    Bernie
    Get Five Stars

Copyright © 2023 · DoctorDave™ Computer Repair - Kansas City and Lawrence · Lawrence, Topeka, and Kansas City, All services by appointment only · Powered by Tech Site Builder