Debug Log Privacy Improvements

[Feyd]

Background: Currently, I am not comfortable running Defraggler in debug mode and uploading the complete log file straight to these public forums.

 

Suggestion: Do not log personally identifiable and unnecessary information.

Examples:

• Do not log Computer Name or User Name.
  
• Do not log file name and path unless there is a problem with the associated file operations such as an error or failure.
  

 

Benefits:

• Users like me won't have to edit and censor the log files before uploading.
  
• Users not familiar with technology won't inadvertantly post personal information on your forums that could be misused by others.
  
• Piriform will have to worry less about protecting user information.
  

[Aethec]

What could be used against you in your documents'paths, your computer name and your user name?

[Feyd]

A variety of things could be revealed.

 

Some examples:

Someone could use their real name as their user name. They could have directory or file names that include the names of providers of different services (such as banking, phone, etc). There could be geographic clues or information about where the person received their education. If a malicious person knows what software is installed on a target's PC, they could create specific exploits.

 

I could go on, but hopefully that gives you an idea.

 

Even if it isn't plausible that the information will be used improperly, I don't see the benefit of including it in the log.