Computer Safety Tips

Have you ever given away a computer and not formatted the hard drive first? 

Have you ever been on the internet with the firewall, anti popup, anti spy ware, or anti virus turned off? 

Have you ever had a popup appear on your computer and end up at a site where you did not intend to go that may have contained illegal material?

 Has anyone ever been on the computer where they could have ended up at a site they should not be at that you may not even know about?

 Is there any possibility that anyone at any point in time could have ended up at an illegal internet site on your computer, or any computer that you have given away or loaned?

 If the answer to any one of these questions is yes, then you are at risk of having your computer(s) taken from you by the police.  Your computer may not be returned for up to four or five months, even if there is no wrongdoing. 

 The police could show up at your door and ask for all of your computers.  They do not have to have a warrant or have any specific information about why they are taking your computer(s), what site was visited, when it was visited, how many times the computer was at that site, or any other information. 

 They can be very vague and convince you that by not giving up your computer, this would make you look guilty.  You do not even have to be home. 

If any adult is there, and they convince that person to hand over your computer, they will take it.

 The tips police receive come from a private organization that monitors illegal sites.  The police do not get information as far as how many times a site has been accessed or when or from which computer.  Admittedly, most of the time when a computer was confiscated, there was no wrongdoing.

Know Your Rights 

·        They cannot take your computer without a warrant. 

·        Refusing to give them your computer does not make you guilty. 

·        If they really had some solid evidence, they would have a warrant. 

·        If you do not want to give up your computer, make sure everyone in the household knows it so they will not come in while you are not there and pressure them into giving them the computer.

·        The police do not need your permission to take the computer, just a spouse that is at the house at the time they come.

 Also, you should know there is a virus out there that has the ability to automatically send, (for example porn), to you and forward it to everyone on your mail list without you ever knowing it occurred unless someone on your mail list informs you.  It’s sad to think there are people out there that would think this is funny, but it is happening.   

What can you do to protect yourself from this happening to you?  Make sure you have an up-to-date anti virus program and spam blocker program.

  Karl Hamilton

Communications Committee Chairman

UAW Local 730 Webmaster