Can You Entrust Your Data to Computer Repair Shops?

Summary: Can computer repair shops steal your data without passwords? Data security is not guaranteed when you drop off a device for repair. Onsite computer repairs performed by an IT service company are usually a safer option. If you must send a device out for service, understand the risks and how you can reduce them.

Our personal information and private data have never been more vulnerable. The connected universe has hackers working overtime to find new ways of attacking your devices and the valuable data they hold. But you probably haven’t considered the security risks of bringing your computer in for repair. Research has shown that an IT service company and its technicians can access private data while repairing a customer’s computer or other connected devices, such as laptops, cell phones and tablets, without their passwords.

As privacy policies are rare for repair shops, you must take the lead in securing your data before handing over your device. Armed with just your PIN to open your device, someone can access any file that does not have the proper security settings in place. If the data is of value or interest to them, they can copy and save it. Like any other service industry (car repair, jewelry repair, etc.) there are always a few bad guys that will take advantage of consumers.

Hackers can breach your device if you do not encrypt your data and have weak passwords. Once they get in, they can scroll through your emails, texts, photos, social networking platforms, shopping apps and files stored in the device or in the cloud. The same concept applies to computer repair technicians. However, the big difference is that you voluntarily hand over your devices for repair, and the shop techs can take their time accessing and browsing through your data.

Should I Wipe My iPhone Before Repair?

Many clints wonder if the same risks apply to iPhone or Android repairs. As our phones are minicomputers – storing our data and connecting to our networks and the internet – they are certainly part of the cybercrime target landscape. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your iPhone (or any device) before bringing it in for repair:

• Backup All Data – Data backup is imperative before repairing your iOS device. Backups are essential even if the repair shop has no interest in harvesting your data. If the device is beyond repair and you cannot power it up or read your data, a recent backup will be the key to getting you up and running when you get a new machine.
• Warranty Returns – If you must send your device back to the manufacturer for service and it is under warranty, the company might send back a new device. Without a recent complete data backup, you will be starting from scratch and will have lost control over the broken device you surrendered to the company. Your device could be sent to recycling centers locally or overseas and may pass through many hands. Find My Phone apps may help you locate, lock and wipe your old device remotely if someone powers it up again.
• Remove SIM Card (if applicable) – SIM cards in cell phones hold key identifying data and other private data pieces to a cyberthief’s puzzle, including stored credit card numbers, logins and passwords.
• Remove From Apple ID Device List – Your device must be removed from your list of Apple ID devices as they are all connected and store data locally and in the Cloud.
• Research a Computer Repair Service Reputation – It is prudent to vet computer repair shops carefully. Factors to evaluate are the number of years in business, online customer reviews and the overall professionalism of the service. Also, when possible, an onsite visit and a conversation with the business’s management about privacy issues can help put your mind at ease.

Performing due diligence when seeking a reputable computer repair business is time worth spending. Completing regular computer backups are also essential for preserving data. Few computer users can predict when their machine will stop working. Fortunately, there are inexpensive apps that perform scheduled backups for all computer files. This backup can also be used to repopulate files on to a new computer.

Other Computer Repair Service Scams

Once you select an IT service company to repair your computer, you must still proceed with caution. Just as unreputable car mechanics might replace or ‘fix’ something you do not need, so is the case with computer repairs. Here are some scams to watch for:

• Swapping Out Parts – Repair scammers can replace your functional high-end parts with cheaper or used parts. Then, they sell your better parts to someone else. Insist that the shop returns any original parts they have replaced and specifies exactly what they have replaced them with.
• Broken Beyond Repair – One of the oldest repair scams around is when the technician claims your computer is broken beyond repair. But to save the day, they have another device on hand to sell you. Generally, when this happens, you should thank them and get your computer back. There might be little wrong with your computer, but the con includes selling you a new one and then repairing and reselling your original one. Ironically, you are likely to end up with a lower-quality device.

Many businesses have adopted a “Zero Trust” policy regarding networked devices that store and transmit company data. This extends to repair services. Home users are just as vulnerable but with far fewer resources. Today’s cybercrime targets and methods change constantly and there are legitimate reasons to be careful when employing any computer repair service.

Using an Onsite IT Services Company

A newer computer repair solution is to use a computer repair company that comes to you. Known as Mobile Repair, technicians visit either the home or office to assess the problem with your device. Repairs are made during the visit. If a part needs to be ordered, they will have it shipped to you, and come back to install it without the computer, phone or laptop ever leaving your site. This method means you do not have to disconnect and reconnect your computer or carry it to a repair shop.

A trusted IT services company not only repairs and installs devices, but can be a consultant for new purchases or business IT solutions. It is worth doing a little research to find the right computer and network repair company for both home and business IT services.