Do you have Sensitive Information on your Computer?

It is very possible that you have your own (PII) and/or sensitive information on your computer right now (and other peoples too!).  I have come up with a process to find files containing PII or sensitive information on your computer.  (Caveat:  My process will find PII in many programs including Microsoft products but it may not find all PII or sensitive data.  Also, my process will not find PII in your email or .PDF files -- this is not the holy grail, but it's a good start.)  

The process I recommend is a manual one.  (This works on a Windows operating system.)

Step 1:

Search for YOUR sensitive information:

1. Close all open applications on your Windows 7 computer.
2. Click Start.
3. In the search box enter the last 4 digits of your social security number.
4. A partial list of potential matches will appear in the window.  Don't click the items from the list, click the blue bar with the magnifying glass that says "See more results".  This will open a new window displaying all possible hits.  You can easily review the hits without performing the search again.

Review each document or file individually by opening each file, look for your SSN and other sensitive information.  Some files could be unreadable (such as zip files) - if they don't open, it might be that the file was not designed to be opened.  Once you have reviewed the file take appropriate action.  Do not delete files you can't open!  If you don't need the file after you have reviewed it, delete it.  If you need the file but don't need the sensitive data to be listed within it, remove the sensitive information then re-save it.  The list will certainly include false positives but you will probably discover some 'PII gold'.    

Step 2:

You might have other peoples PII (or sensitive data) on your computer.  Search for the last 4 digits of your spouse or children's SSN.  If you process family member's information, check for the last 4 of their SSN too.  Also search for people's names (first or last).

1. Close any open windows.
2. Click Start.
3. In the search box enter the last name (or first name).  
4. A partial list of potential matches will appear in the window.  Don't click the items in the list, click the blue bar with the magnifying glass that says "See more results".  This will open a new window with possible hits.