Using Google Desktop Safely

What is Google Desktop?

Google Desktop is a desktop search and indexing tool. With the introduction of Google Desktop 3, Google added a "Search Across Computers" feature that allows users to find files on multiple computers.

Why is Google Desktop dangerous?

The main problem with Google Desktop is that data from your computer is stored on Google's servers when you enable "Search Across Computers." If your Google account is ever compromised, any data that has been indexed may be readable by the person who uses your account.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) warns "Google says it is not yet scanning the files it copies from your hard drive in order to serve targeted advertising, but it hasn't ruled out the possibility, and Google's current privacy policy appears to allow it." http://www.eff.org/news/archives/2006_02.php#004400

Google's full privacy policy includes the following:

"We may use personal information to provide the services you've requested, including services that display customized content and advertising."
...
"When we use third parties to assist us in processing your personal information, we require that they comply with our Privacy Policy and any other appropriate confidentiality and security measures. We may also share information with third parties in limited circumstances, including when complying with legal process, preventing fraud or imminent harm, and ensuring the security of our network and services. Google processes personal information on our servers in the United States of America and in other countries. In some cases, we process personal information on a server outside your own country." http://www.google.com/privacy.html

Who should not use Google Desktop?

CITES Security strongly recommends that all users avoid Google Desktop, particularly those who meet either of the criteria below:

• You would be installing Google Desktop on a University computer.
• Your computer contains or processes University data.

If you are a University employee and you have any questions about whether or not you should install Google Desktop on your computer, please check with your supervisor.

CITES Security strongly urges users who have received a new computer with Google Desktop installed, or who have installed Google Desktop themselves, to uninstall it.

To uninstall Google Desktop

From the Start Menu:

1. Go to Start > Programs > Google Desktop > Uninstall Google Desktop.
2. To delete your personal search index, un-check Keep my index.
3. Click OK.
4. Restart your computer.

From Add/Remove Programs:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
2. Select Google Desktop and click Remove.
3. Restart your computer.

To disable "Search Across Computers"

During Installation and Setup

During installation of Google Desktop, your default web browser will open this web page.

Show / hide initial preferences window

1. Make sure that Index and search my Gmail account is not checked.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Set Preferences and Continue.
3. At the Enable Advanced Features window, click the Disable Advanced Features button.

Show / hide Enable Advanced Features window

After Installation

1. Under Google Desktop's Options menu, select Preferences.

   Show / hide Options menu

   
2. Your default web browser will open a Preferences web page. Click the Display tab.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the window and uncheck the Google Integration checkbox.

   Show / hide the Google Integration text box at the bottom of the Display tab

   

4. Click the Save Preferences button.