Best Buy is scanning Geek Squad computers for signs of porn infestation, as part of their continuing witch hunt. According to reports from four different Geek Squad employees, an edict was issued from corporate requiring precincts to connect every computer in every precinct to Agent Johnny Utah.

Agent Johnny Utah is the code name for the Geek Squad’s remote troubleshooting software. Usually it’s used so that outsourced Bangalore workers can scan customer’s computers for spyware and viruses and such. In this case, Geek Squad agents at headquarters are using the remote system to scan the Geek Squad precinct’s computers for porn and mp3s taken from customer’s hard drives.

One tipster doubts the efficacy of the search:

…the search will no doubt reveal almost nothing company wide.. certain machines not plugged in, certain harddrives not plugged in during the search, etc… so they will come back with an all clean in a week, and the problem will continue.

Another recounts:

Every techpc in the company was hooked up, and had specialists from corporate office scan them for customer files and information. Our harddrives came up red-flagged and got sent to corporate, but they didn’t get the motherlode, because the pile of customer information/porn/unlicensed tools/windows XP ISOs/MP3s were on a seperate HD that somehow didn’t make it into the scan.

Tipsters also report that managers are not connecting their computers to Agent Johnny Utah without first giving Geek Squad agents time to erase any porn or mp3s.

Best Buy’s investigation is an encouraging step in the right direction, but uprooting the porn pilfering problem will require confronting more deeply seated issues. We asked one tipster what Geek Squad could do to permanently reform its culture. His response? “Stop hiring sales people and hire real techs that get paid tech wages.”

PREVIOUSLY: Best Buy Fires Geek Squad Supervisor Following Negative Newspaper Articles About Porn Pilfering
(Photo: rofflcopterr)

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.