Ian On The Red Dot

This post doesn’t really have anything to do with the photos related to the scandal that have been appearing on the net. This post is more related to this case in America where a lady sent a laptop for repair and it got lost than about sex. The Geek Squad’s technicians are supposedly always on the lookout for compromising material on their consumers’ computers.

A few months ago, my computer had some problems. I had some suspicion that it might be due to the power adapter so I went down to the support center for help. I told the lady at the counter my suspicions and she said she needed to take a look at my computer. I passed it to her along with my power adapter and she proceeded to take them to the backroom.

Here is the thing. She closed the door. She took a long time to come out. I got anxious and impatient. I also got pissed. She didn’t need to bring my computer and the power adapter to the backroom to test them. She could have tested at the counter. There were power points there. She didn’t need the computer to actually test the power adapter because she had a similar model and could have tested the power adapter with that model. She also didn’t need to take a long time just to test a power adapter.

I asked her colleague to call her out. I tried to get my computer back but she was insistent that she needed to test it in the room.

There isn’t anything in my computer which normally would be considered worth stealing to spread - no nude pictures. However, there is data which I consider private and wouldn’t want to be copied. Or lost.

I told my friends about the incident and they said I was being paranoid. I don’t think I am and with recent cases about how data on computers sent for servicing have been compromised, I’m more sure than ever I was right.

We as users of computers got to start being more aware of the value and sanctity of the data on our computers as well as our phones. Companies need to value our data more and provide transparency when servicing our computers. For example, there really isn’t a need for a hidden backroom. I suggest such rooms should be done BreakTalk style - with a glass so that we can see what’s going on.

In the end though, you can’t really trust anyone. My suggestion is this - make backups for everything important. When your computer is spoiled, bring it for servicing. If it needs to be taken away from you and can’t be fixed on the spot, decline the offer. Write off the computer and buy a new one. Reload data from your backup. Same thing for phone. Once spoiled, consider it a write off and buy a new one. Don’t compromise your contacts by sending it in for repair.

It is a crazy world out there and easter egg hunts won’t stop being popular. Just don’t let your computer and phone be where the game is played.

On a final note, this is the best quote for non-customer service I have seen. Ever.

“For every customer that has had an unpleasant experience I can show you hundreds who have had a great experience. I have been in retail for a long time and the one conclusion I have come to is that not every customer can be satisfied. Does my store have opportunities? Absolutely! What I can say is that we strive to deliver the experience that every customer deserves to receive.”