[Zeeb]

I took my MBP to Tekserve the other day looking for an estimate on a hard drive upgrade. I didn't intend to actually drop it off that day so I didn't remove any of my personal files--stupidly. At any rate, the technician took the computer in the back (and out of sight) to make sure the hard drive I currently have is healthy so that they could do a clone of it if I did decide to get the upgrade. About 8 minutes later he handed it back to me to report that it was fine.

I'm a bit paranoid about identity theft and I can't believe I just handed it over without deleting the financial information first. I suppose he could have easily copied the entire contents of the folder in that time.

Ugh, has anyone here made the mistake that I did and lived to regret it? Have you accidentally turned your computer in for service with all your sensitive information without harm? I can check to see when that folder was accessed, but that wouldn't tell me if it was copied or not correct?

The associate seemed like a nice guy, but thinking back I'm not sure why he needed to take it away from the counter to do the check. I'm not sure what I can do now.

[ghporter]

Is Tekserve a bonded business? Do you have any reason to believe that their technicians aren't professional and trustworthy?

The guy probably had to put the computer on the bench to keep from taking up counter space that might be used for another incoming customer. In my experience as a radio tech, ALL equipment work was done "in the back," whether it was as simple as looking over the unit or tearing it down to its component parts.

Are you concerned because you have actual "sensitive" information, such as social security numbers, bank and credit card account numbers and such on your hard drive?

[Zeeb]

They are an authorized Apple repair center and probably the most popular one outside of Apple stores themselves in NYC. Yes, sadly my tax returns were on my computer. They seem very professional and I have no reason to believe they did anything wrong. It's just I've heard of other professional places compromising information. I'm a little paranoid and could kick myself for not thinking of removing that info.

[ghporter]

I've heard of "Geek Squad" and small-time shops being unprofessional about personal information, but never Apple nor an authorized Apple repair vendor.

[IceEnclosure]

Tekserve has a good reputation, no? Relax, and just remember to not do it again. : )

[Pierre B.]

Originally Posted by Zeeb 

The associate seemed like a nice guy, but thinking back I'm not sure why he needed to take it away from the counter to do the check. I'm not sure what I can do now.

Chill down, it is almost certain that nothing happened. Because you know what your hard drive has, where to find it and how to use it, it does not mean that anyone else knows also. Just don't do the same again.

[Zeeb]

Yeah, I'm ok with it now. I'm a little paranoid as someone tried to obtain a home loan in my name several years back. I only found out when I happened to go to that same bank to open an account. Thanks for your responses!