Are your documents & photos safe & private in DropBox?

As soon as the post about DropBox hit last Thursday, May 10th, many of you sent me emails asking how private DropBox was.  Remember, DropBox, like most “cloud computing” services is very careful about privacy. DropBox even claims that files we store with them are actually safer while stored in your DropBox than on your computer; they also state that they use the same secure methods as banks.

So yes – your files are backed-up, they are all stored securely, and password-protected.  No one else using DropBox can see what is in your private files UNLESS you deliberately invite or you put your files into your Public folder.

HOWEVER – Personally, I wouldn’t recommend using DropBox on a “public computer” such as those in the classroom.  Your home and work computers, which are used by you and you alone are fine, but remember the DropBox folder is just like any other folder, so on a public computer it can be accessed…

Remember: everything and anything in your Public folders, just like those in your Shared/Public Folders on the computer are accessible to anyone...  

Next week we will be talking about “Google Drive” (which was introduced at the end of April 2012 and is a great addition to the Google Doc’s storage app).  Yes, like “DropBox” it is another “cloud computing” service, but obviously from Google.  For many of us, especially those with free GMAIL accounts this may be your better option, especially for those who often use public computers

Check back on Wednesday, May 16^th for more discussion about Google Drive vs. DropBox…

HOW TO KNOW IF AN ONLINE WEBSITE IS SECURE

Before you put confidential information on line - whether you are on your home or at your computer at work, or on a public computer - make sure you are on a secure page.

So always, before you register on a website, put personal information such as your name, mailing address, phone numbers, birth dates, credit card or checking account information when shopping - anything personal and confidential, always be sure that the information page you are on is totally secure.

How? Watch for these to be sure you are on a secure Website:

• https (vs http) is what you should see in the address bar before giving out confidential information-So always look at the top of your screen where the Web site address is displayed, you should see https://. The "s" that is displayed after "http" indicates that Web site is secure. You might not see the "s" until you actually move to the page asking for confidential info OR
• Look for a closed padlock displayed at the bottom of your screen. If that lock is open, you should assume it is not a secure site OR
• Look for an unbroken key

USING PUBLIC COMPUTERS - Traveling during the holidays?

You can check your email from any computer in the world, hotel, motel, cruise ship, highway stops, airports, Internet café, libraries, copy and/or coffee shops and of course at homes of friends or family.. But because you are not at home, be more careful when you use a computer that isn't yours, especially when you are typing or working with private information like credit cards, banking, medical and other sensitive information you may not want anyone else to see... A FEW SAFETY TIPS....

DON'T SAVE YOUR LOGIN INFORMATION - Always logout of Web sites by pressing logout on the site (Many programs-especially instant messenger programs and free email, such as hotmail, gmail & others include automatic login features that will save your username and password – so be sure not to check this off to have the computer remember your user name & password, so no one accidentally (or on purpose) logs in as you.

DON'T LEAVE THE COMPUTER UNATTENDED WITH SENSITIVE INFORMATION ON THE SCREEN - If you have to leave the public computer for any amount of time, logout of all programs and close all windows that may include sensitive information.

ERASE YOUR TRACKS - When you're done using a public computer you should delete all the temporary files and your Internet history: Here Is How To Delete Your Temporary Internet Files And Your History:
1. In Internet Explorer, go to Menu Bar, Left Click Tools for Menu List, Then Left Click Internet Options.
2. On the General tab, under Temporary Internet files Left click Delete Files and then click Delete Cookies.
3. Under History, left click Clear History.

WATCH FOR OVER-THE-SHOULDER SNOOPS-Because there's so much news about how hackers digitally sneak into our personal files, we sometimes forget about the old fashioned version of snooping. When you use a public computer, watch for anyone looking over your shoulder or watching as you enter sensitive passwords. If you really want to be safe, avoid typing your credit card numbers, bank account information, or any other financial or otherwise sensitive information into any public computer.

Enjoy your holidays and be safe...