Question:

“When technicians are transferring data between computers, to what extent do they observe or become aware of the specific files being moved? For instance, I had my old computer’s contents moved to a new Mac, and despite believing that I had removed certain personal iBooks from my library, they reappeared on the new machine. Is it likely that the technicians noticed these files during the transfer process?”

Answer:

Data Privacy During Computer Transfers: What You Need to Know

The Scenario:

You’ve just upgraded to a new Mac and had all your files transferred from your old computer by a technician. Among these files were some personal iBooks that you thought you had deleted. To your surprise, they reappeared on your new device. This raises an important question: During such transfers, do technicians notice your files?

Technician Visibility:

Firstly, it’s important to understand that data transfer between computers is usually an automated process. Technicians often use specialized software that bulk transfers files without opening or viewing them individually. The primary goal is to ensure all data is moved over successfully, not to examine the contents.

Professional Ethics:

Moreover, technicians are bound by professional ethics and privacy policies. They are trained to respect customer confidentiality and to avoid scrutinizing personal files. If they do encounter personal data inadvertently, they are expected to disregard it.

Automated Restorations:

As for your iBooks, it’s possible that they were not permanently deleted from your old computer. Files can sometimes be restored during transfers, especially if they were backed up automatically or not securely erased.

Preventative Measures:

To prevent such occurrences, you can take several steps:

– Secure Deletion: Use tools that overwrite data, ensuring files cannot be recovered.

– Backup Checks: Verify your backup settings to prevent unwanted file restorations.

– Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive files so that even if they are seen, they cannot be accessed without authorization.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while technicians have the potential to see file names during transfers, the likelihood of them noticing or examining your personal files is low. They are professionals who respect privacy. However, for peace of mind, take the necessary precautions to secure your data before any transfer.

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I hope this article provides clarity on the matter and helps you feel more comfortable with the data transfer process.