Laptop Security

lindabea

I have a hardware problem with my laptop ( on/off switch is sticking) and I may need to take it for repair. However, my concern is regarding security. I have a few private spreadsheets, which I would be happier to make sure that no one has access to them. My laptop has a windows 10 P/W and the spreadsheets are also protected by Libreoffice P/W. I can take the folder off the laptop before taking in for repair, but I read that someone with tech knowledge can re-instate the disk index and be able to read the files.

Any advise please or am I being too paranoid!!

Heedtheadvice

No you are not being paranoid if you value your private data! The risk may be small but nevertheless there is a risk that data could be accessed or lost.

Firstly pick a repairer that you trust, preferably one where you do not need to send the laptop away reducing therefore the loss risk. Ensure you have at least two FULL backups before parting with your machine!

Encryption might be the answer. I'm sure that another poster will be along to say what is best to prevent/reduce the risk of data access.

wongataa

You are probably being a bit paranoid but if you really want to be secure take the disk out of the laptop before giving it to the repairers. Put a different one in with the OS installed on it so the repairers can check things are working. When you get the fixed machine back swap the original disk back in.

AndyPix

Heedtheadvice wrote: »

Encryption might be the answer. I'm sure that another poster will be along to say what is best to prevent/reduce the risk of data access.

OP - You ARE being paranoid .. But i will endulge you .


Click the start flag, type encryption


Now click "manage bitlocker" from the results
Choose "turn on bitlocker" and follow the instructions.


Dont forget your encryption password or your documents are unrecoverable

lindabea

Perhaps I am being too paranoid :eek:. I shall assume that my current P/W strategy is not sufficient to stop anyone from accessing my documents.
Many thanks for your replies

that

AndyPix wrote: »

OP - You ARE being paranoid .. But i will endulge you .


Click the start flag, type encryption


Now click "manage bitlocker" from the results
Choose "turn on bitlocker" and follow the instructions.


Dont forget your encryption password or your documents are unrecoverable

Although not stated which version of windows, there is no bit locker on win 10 Home ed

Heedtheadvice

Ok, looks like I might be in a minority (so far) thinking that Linda is possible not being paranoid!

I accept that but would remind others that we do not know what data Linda has saved in her sheets and how sensitive she is about it being viewed (or used) by others. She clearly is concerned enough to ask the question.....and yes there is a risk.

I have details recorded on my pc in data files and documents (including workbooks) about me, my family and about/on behalf of others. I would not rixk that data and I am sure the 'others' would not wish their detail/data risked either.

.......but then I have worked in positions where confidentiality is given high priority!:rotfl:

Frozen_up_north

The OP is being sensible, not paranoid. In many cases securing data is a legal requirement (club members lists and other personal data comes into that category too).

The password security of Windows Home and Libre Office is poor. I use Veracrypt (https://sourceforge.net/projects/veracrypt/), which is the successor to Truecrypt.

With Veracrypt you can create secure volumes, a bit like a zip file, these can be on the main computer or on a USB memory stick. You can encrypt the whole hard disk too, but that would stop the repair tech testing the laptop.

Remember to wipe temporary files and free space using Ccleaner or Bleachbit, otherwise old and temp copies of your secured files will be scattered around the hard drive.

lindabea

that wrote: »

Although not stated which version of windows, there is no bit locker on win 10 Home ed

Thanks for your feedback. I have W10 Home edition and after Andypix mentioned bit locker I researched it and found that it's not available on my W version.

This shows how careful one needs to be and not to take too many things on face value. My lesson in life has been to question everything and not to trust anyone until I have full confidence in their credibility.

larrysfu

lindabea wrote: »

I have a hardware problem with my laptop ( on/off switch is sticking) and I may need to take it for repair. However, my concern is regarding security. I have a few private spreadsheets, which I would be happier to make sure that no one has access to them. My laptop has a windows 10 P/W and the spreadsheets are also protected by Libreoffice P/W. I can take the folder off the laptop before taking in for repair, but I read that someone with tech knowledge can re-instate the disk index and be able to read the files.

Any advise please or am I being too paranoid!!

I feel like you're being too paranoid.

I understand that some of your documents are private but it's going for repairs and these repairpeople see tens and hundreds of PC's per day - so they'd have no use to go through everyone's personal spreadsheets.

Even if they did want to be nosey, why would they even try to reinstate the disk index to view files that you've deleted for no reason.

joeypesci

You're not being paranoid. Most techs end up looking through files. It's human curiousity. Most aren't interested in stealing data just being nosey. However, not all are like that, most just want to get stuff fixed.

Easier to just copy files you don't want them looking at onto a USB stick then delete originals. But then secure wipe the free space with CCleaner to stop them trying to restore the recently deleted files (most wouldn't bother).