IT Security — Private Data Search Software (Spider, SENF)

ITS Help Documents >> IT Security >> Private Data Software

Overview

CU-Boulder employees have access to, and are responsible for protecting, a wide variety of sensitive information. Unauthorized exposure of information such as student academic records, medical information, credit card information, and social security numbers can have a harmful affect on people's lives.

Therefore, ITS recommends scanning your computer for private data frequently so you can take the proper precautions.

On this page you will find tools to perform those scans.

• Spider is recommended for a Windows system. It was originally developed at Cornell University and repackaged by ITS.
• Sensitive Number Finder (SENF) is recommended for a non-Windows and Vista systems. It was originally developed at the University of Texas.

Both programs search through the content of all files looking for matches to the criteria it is given. 

Important: Neither Spider nor SENF are 100% effective. There are many file types that store information in a way that Spider and SENF cannot interpret and there are limits to the search commands themselves. The tools attempt to strike a good balance between effectiveness and usability.

Determining What is Private Data

To help you determine if the data Spider or SENF found is classified as private data, and how to handle that data, go to www.colorado.edu/its/security/awareness/privacy or contact the IT Service Center. See the quick reference guide to find out how to handle private data.

System Requirements

• Spider: Windows 2000 or XP with .NET 1.1 or greater.
• SENF: Any platform with Java JRE 1.5 or greater.

Tools, Instructions, and More Information

• Private Data Software Download
  • Spider installer (Clicking this link will download the file Window's Spider 2.9.5.msi)
  • SENF (Clicking this link will take you to the University of Texas' SENF website)
• Installing Private Data Software
  • Spider for Windows
    • Instructions
    • Online Learning Demonstration
  • SENF
    • SENF doesn't require installation, rather the program runs off of the java package.
• Using Private Data Software to Find Sensitive Data
  • Spider for Windows
    • Instructions
    • Online Learning Demonstration
  • SENF
    • Instructions
• Private Data Workshop Student Handbook
  • PDF Download of Student Handbook for Spider
• Resources for departmental Computer Support Representatives (Tier 2 CSRs)
  • Comprehensive Spider guide

Get Help
IT Service Center
303-735-4357 (5-HELP from an on-campus phone)
help@colorado.edu