How to Check Your Machine for Social Security Numbers

  1. In the Start Menu on your computer, click on 'Control Panel'.


  2. In the Control Panel, click on 'Add or Remove Programs'.


  3. Once the list of programs finishes loading, look for 'Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1' or 'Microsoft .Net Framework 2.0'. If either of these exist, skip to step 7. If NEITHER exist, continue on to step 4.


  4. Download Microsoft .NET Framework Here, and save it to your desktop.
  5. Double click the installer.
  6. Follow the install wizard. Once it is done, continue to step 7.
  7. Go to the following link: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/security/tools/


  8. Click on the 'Download' link under the 'Spider 2.1.9a for Windows' section towards the bottom of the page.


  9. Save the file to your desktop.


  10. Run the file.


  11. Click 'Next >'.


  12. Click 'Yes'.


  13. Click 'Next >'.


  14. Click 'Next >'.


  15. Click 'Next >'.


  16. Click 'Close'.


  17. On the window that popped up after installed, run the file 'Spider'.


  18. On the 'Spider 2.1.9a' window, go to the Configure menu and click 'Settings'.


  19. Go to the 'Regexes' tab and make sure the ONLY option checked is 'Social Security Numbers'.


  20. Click 'Save' and then click 'Run Spider'. It will take some time to run the scan of your computer.


  21. You'll know the scan has finished when it says 'Spider Ready' below the Exit button.


  22. Open 'My Computer' and click on 'Local Disk (C:)' on the left.


  23. If on the right side it says that files in this folder are protected, click 'Show Files'.
  24. Find the file 'SPIDER.LOG' (depending on your settings, this could just be 'SPIDER') and rename it to 'lastname.LOG' where 'lastname' is your last name.


  25. If the filesize of the file is NOT 0, that means you possibly have SSNs on your computer. Send the help desk (help@ext.colostate.edu) an email with that .log file attached and we can let you know what you need to do.
  26. If your filesize is 0, you are clean and need to sign the attestation form found here and mail it to the Support Desk at:
    Help Desk
    4040 Campus Delivery
    Fort Collins, CO 80523-4040
  27. If you have any questions about any of these steps, please let us know at help@ext.colostate.edu or by phone at (970) 491-5351.