IT News and Information Blog

Home Wireless, Privacy and Google  27.06.2010

Google has and is being criticized for 'inadvertently' obtaining private data captured by their Street View vehicles. The accusations are serious and could lead to criminal charges being brought - in a number of countries.

Is this important and how does it affect you? Well, a lot!

Obviously, it brings into question Google's integrity and/or its ability to properly monitor and control staff and processes, technical or otherwise.

Secondly, it means that private information is now in the possession of Google and its employees and whoever else has had access to the data.

Thirdly, it is a warning to anyone who uses a wireless router:

• at their home
• at their office or place of work
• at 'hot point' locations such as cafes, hotels, airports or wherever...

...AND when these wireless, WIFI or 'hot point' connections do not use network security encryption.

What is network security encryption? Do you know? Has anyone (wireless router manufacturer, PC shop, sales person) told you? They should have!

If you have a wireless router or network, get in touch with us and we will check it to see if anyone with a computer can gain access to it, as well as give you advice what to do to make it safe and secure.