Data sharing

[jwest]

I'm just trying to understand all the data-sharing possibilities available to me. If I want to help a family memeber, or even a stranger, what options do I have to protect myself?

Remote access via zoom or some other software is one. Is there one app that's considered best for this?

How could I assure that there's no malware, accidental or intentional, embedded within, let's say, a zip file I download from an anon, who's data I would like to review with them, sharing my screen?

Thanks!

[Jeff8356]

It would depend on your definition of data sharing. Are you refering to RDP (remote desktop) or VNC to their computer?
Or something easier like having them upload their data to the cloud (like Dropbox) where you can then import it into a profile?

Either way could have potential risks. I would advice running a quick virus check before looking at anyone data files.

[jwest]

I was thinking either RDP or teamviewer for one-time/multi-time use.

Downloading their data from the cloud is also an option, but like you mentioned, I don't want malware on my computer. I was thinking of creating a partition with a live OS and downloading OSCAR onto it for this specific use, which I believe would provide sweeping protection, though I'm not a computer wizard. Any thoughts?

Any advice on which virus scanning software to use if I did?

Thanks!

[Jeff8356]

For family (or close friends), RDP might be an option. But be aware of the potential pitfalls if the other users tend to click on things without checking them out first. You never know what will happen when you connect.

I prefer something like Dropbox. They can upload their SD card regularly. You can download it to your computer and look at the data in a profile in OSCAR.

If you are concerned you could always create a VM, make a clone of it, then use that clone to work with. Anything happens to the clone you just delete it and make a new clone of the original. I do that frequently. It's quite flexible and you can run any OS you need to.

For helping strangers.....I would leave that to the forums like Apnea Board.

For AV scanners....Those are subjective. I use ClamScan on my Mac. It doesn't get in the way and ony runs when I tell it to. Other well know A/V programs can be a bit of a nightmare to work with. So choose carefully.

[chemmkl]

Remote access via zoom or some other software is one. Is there one app that's considered best for this?

How could I assure that there's no malware, accidental or intentional, embedded within, let's say, a zip file I download from an anon, who's data I would like to review with them, sharing my screen?

We use AnyDesk at my job for providing remote IT support for our customers. It is remote desktop software (competitor of TeamViewer) and free for non-commercial use. Since all you are moving are "photos" of the screen as well as mouse movements and key presses, it is absolutely safe for you as long as you don't use the file transfer feature:

1. The person in need of help downloads anydesk and runs it. They will see numbers like XXX XXX XXX.
   
2. You download anydesk yourself and input the numbers given to you by the person in need of help.
   
3. They will get a request to accept your connection and decide if they want to give control of mouse and keyboard to you or just see the screen.
   
4. When you are done you disconnect or they can kick you out at any time.
   

From my point of view I see a few advantages:

• Their health data is never in your possession, so you avoid a potential liability there.
  
• You don't have to download anything to your computer for each person that needs help. You just use AnyDesk that is a trusted product and you downloaded from their official website.
  

I hope this helps!

[jwest]

these are both awesome answers. Thanks guys. I have all the information I need now.