Google announced it's latest "enhancement" to it's Google Desktop software on February 9th. I've by no means been a proponent of the sofware since its inception, and now this is truly ridiculous.
According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation "the new Search Across Computers feature will store copies of the user's Word documents, PDFs, spreadsheets and other text-based documents on Google's own servers, to enable searching from any one of the user's computers."
First the goverment wants access to Google search logs, now this.
In a nut shell, if you've installed this software and your Google account is compromised, your entire file system, on all the computers you've installed Google Desktop, is completelty available. A hacker's "one-stop-shop" if you will.
Worse still, "the government could then demand these personal files with only a subpoena rather than the search warrant it would need to seize the same things from your home or business, and in many cases you wouldn't even be notified in time to challenge it."
I can't say this enough, if you value your privacy and your personal security do not install this software under any circumstances.
More information:
http://www.eff.org/news/archives/2006_02.php#004400
http://www.viruslist.com/en/weblog?weblogid=179597544
Russ McRee's HolisticInfoSec™ includes articles and research, as well as feedback and an occasional rant. HolisticInfoSec™ promotes standards, simplicity, tooling and efficiency in achieving holistic information security.
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