Your sensitive data:
I never open files on your computer that are not related to the problem I am fixing. If I am doing an operation that requires a backup of your files to be made, I will inform you. Once your computer is fixed, I will give you the option of how you want the backup to be handled – destroyed immediately, returned on a storage media, or retained for set amount of time in case your problem reoccurs. All backup data is destroyed using an irrecoverable method which ensures no one can undelete or copy your information from the media.
If your hard drive needs replacing, you will be encouraged to keep the old hard drive as a temporary backup for the new one. If you choose to leave the hard drive with me, it will be erased securely on site, dismantled, and sent to a recycling facility in pieces. This policy also applies to any old machines left for recycling. If a computer can be re-used, you will be informed of this option, and with your permission the hard drive will be erased securely before being re-purposed.
Unless otherwise stated, I am the only person who will be accessing your computer. If you bring a computer in for repair and I deem a part can be repaired at a lower cost than replacement, but your computer needs to be sent to an affiliate, I will get your permission before sending it to them, and give you the option of having your hard drive removed to ensure that your data is not put in the hands of someone else.
I may need access to certain computer passwords that I have you write on your intake form. No copy or record is kept of your passwords, and I will give the form back to you with your computer.
Collection of personal information:
I collect your name, address, phone number and email for my records. I never sell or share my customers’ contact information. I send an email newsletter to customers who opt in, and they can contact me by phone or email to opt out at any time. The email newsletter will not display your email address or other information to any other recipients.
Testimonials:
I ask my clients for testimonials which I post on my website. If you provide a testimonial, I will ask what, if any, personally identifying information to include, ie, signed with “satisfied customer” or your name, website, etc. If you change your mind about having your testimonial or name listed on my website, please contact me and I will remove it.
Security:
The ‘contact us’ form on our website is not encrypted. This form should be treated as you would a normal email – ie do not include sensitive information such as credit card numbers. Data filled into this form arrives in The Computer Doctor Inc email and is not shared with anyone.
The remote support client provided on our site uses 128bit RC4 encryption and is an Open Source program called UltraVNC.
Website:
Links
This website contains links to other sites. Please be aware that I am not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other sites. I encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of any other site that collects personally identifiable information.
Google Analytics
Google Analytics allows me to see how people found my website and what areas they are most interested in.
The vast majority of websites use tools to anonymously track how people are using their site, and over half of websites use Google Analytics. The privacy policy that I must adhere to in order to use this service can be found here:
http://www.google.com/intl/en/analytics/tos.html
Of specific interest is paragraph 7:
“7. PRIVACY . You will not (and will not allow any third party to) use the Service to track or collect personally identifiable information of Internet users, nor will You (or will You allow any third party to) associate any data gathered from Your website(s) (or such third parties’ website(s)) with any personally identifying information from any source as part of Your use (or such third parties’ use) of the Service. You will have and abide by an appropriate privacy policy and will comply with all applicable laws relating to the collection of information from visitors to Your websites. You must post a privacy policy and that policy must provide notice of your use of a cookie that collects anonymous traffic data.”
Google does not enforce the rule that webmasters must inform people that Google Analytics is being used, or even check that a Privacy Policy exists on a website. The vast majority of websites use similar services to track traffic data, but may not inform you of it.
I have set my website so that Google Analytics does not receive your entire IP address, only enough of it to say which city you are located in. I have also opted out of any data sharing with other Google services.
Google offers an OptOut plugin which will stop Google Analytics from collecting anonymous statistics from websites that use their service:
http://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=en
Cookies
This site uses a cookie from Google that collects anonymous traffic data.
Other:
Certain details of my privacy policy will change from time, (for example, if I change software providers for live chat, remote desktop support, or credit card processing) and I will update the privacy policy regularly.
If you have any concerns, suggestions or would like to clarify anything about my privacy policy, please contact me.