To: All Center for Aging Computer Users
From: Irv Eisen, Information Security Manager, Center for Aging
Subject: Google Desktop's New Feature "Search Across Computers"
Date: Thursday, Feb. 16, 2006
Google has recently added a feature to its Google Desktop called
"Search Across Computers."
What It Says It Does:
"Search Across Computers enables you to search your documents and
viewed web pages across all your computers. For example, you could find
files you edited on your desktop from your laptop."
from: http://desktop.google.com/features.html#searchremote
What it really does is to copy files from your computer to a Google
server. It is from there that you can search these files. This makes
for a serious privacy and security breach, since the Google servers are
not under our control, do not adhere to HIPAA and Duke security policies,
and their system admins have access to everything on their systems.
If you have installed a version of Google Desktop with "Search Across
Computers," be sure that it is NOT enabled. If it has been enabled, follow
the directions on the web site referenced above to clear your files from
the Google server.
Remember, the HIPAA regulations provide for significant civil
penalties if you disclose Protected Health Information. Duke is also
likely to take action in the event you disclose PHI or other confidential
information.
If you have questions or comments, please address them to
irv@geri.duke.edu.
