Not sure if you're secure? Check IET's revised privacy protection page

You copied your latest bank statement on the nearest copier, but were careful not to leave the original behind when you finished. So your information is safe from prying eyes. Right?

Not necessarily. Newer copiers have hard drives, which store electronic duplicates of whatever they copy. If the copier you used also lacks security or privacy controls, your information is now vulnerable.

If you didn't know, don't be surprised--few people pay attention to evolving copy-machine technology. But to keep all your private information private, you should brush up your electronic security knowledge by spending a few minutes at the updated campus Protecting Privacy Campaign page.

Information and Educational Technology created the page to help UC Davis faculty, students and staff avoid common situations and scams that threaten privacy. The changing nature of electronic records and communication keeps creating different security risks, and IET's page offers context and options, not just warnings.

The segment on email, for example, explains why you should not send private information in the body of an email--but points out that you can safely send private information in an encrypted attachment. The segment tells you how to do that with Excel, Word, or Mac OS 10.

Other parts of the page present an overview of what privacy is, and why it's important. Three sections discuss privacy basics, privacy pitfalls, and common scams.

To help spread the word, the site also offers privacy-related posters that people can download, print, and post in their office or building. A place near the copier might be good.