Keep Computer Crimes at Bay

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli today issued a warning to Virginians  to protect their computer networks in light of recent admissions by Google that the company has collected personal data from unsecured wireless networks while mapping out its Street View service.

According to Google, the company gathered payload data from network users as it moved in and out of unsecured wireless networks while driving around the country.  Payload data can include Internet activity and electronic communications such as emails.

“These incidents serve as a reminder of the vulnerabilities of unsecured computer networks and the potential for breaches of privacy and even for criminal conduct. I am encouraging all Virginians to secure their home and business wireless networks by creating password protections to prevent unauthorized access to their personal data,”stated Cuccinelli.

“Conducting personal activity on unsecured wireless networks tremendously increases one’s risk of identity theft, fraud, and financial loss.”

Cuccinelli is currently working with Google to obtain details about any activity conducted in Virginia and is requesting that Google disclose the nature of any data collected from Virginia residents.

In addition to setting up password protections, computer users should install and maintain anti-virus software on their computers.

“Users should download and consistently update a reliable anti-virus program to prevent unwanted intrusions, unauthorized monitoring of activity, and malicious viruses,” added the attorney general.

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For those who believe to be a victim of computer crimes should contact the attorney general’s Computer Crime Section at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 804-786-2071.