AG ([info]agentgoodnight) wrote in [info]computer_help,
@ 2008-07-13 23:33:00
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Office Trace
This will seem like a dumb question, and it probably is but I'm paranoid.

We were recently told that due to loss of productivity the company may be checking the the computers for websites visited to ensure that we aren't wasting the company's time. Just wondering how they would go about doing this, and if I , who don't use a work computer but instead my own personal laptop, have anything to worry about. As it is my laptop I have privacy issues with this. My concern is more if it is even possible for someone to trace websites through a shared internet cable, as I do use the internet cables provided.

Thanks

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[info]teenonfire4lord
2008-07-14 04:01 am UTC (link)
If you are using the internet provided by a company network, it's ABSOLUTELY possible for them to check. As far as I understand it, they'd be checking the network activity. "The terminal connected to the network in cubicle 47A is accessing time-wasting site pogo.com" etc.

If memory serves, there are some ways around this, depending on how aggressive you want to get. Stuff like IP Maskers and that sort of deal. It kind of goes JUST beyond my level of experience, where I've heard about them but never actually used them.

My only other thought would be to check if your laptop can get access to a wireless network nearby that ISN'T the company network. If you have a cell phone, you might look into one of their internet data plans. There also seem to be ways (according to Google, YMMV) to use your cell phone itself to allow your laptop to get internet.

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[info]agentgoodnight
2008-07-14 12:40 pm UTC (link)
Thanks you, that's very helpful. It isn't so much that I've been going on things I shouldn't, I'm just concerned as it is my own personal laptop and I don't really want my personal stuff to be open to their eyes.

The company is recently going to network the entire office (starting tuesday I believe). How will this affect my privacy, as it is networked can other people see my files, or will the mainframe be wiped and started anew. Sorry for all the questions, I just haven't got a clue.

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[info]jasoncrowley
2008-07-14 05:45 am UTC (link)
While your laptop is connected to a work source, then yes, they can check into everything you are doing with it.

They can always see the source location and the destination of the data.

If you are using some form of encryption with that data then they can only see where it came from, and not what it unnecessarily is. (at least not without breaking some rules and/or laws)

Websites, messengers, downloads (PtP and Direct,) and anything that communicates with the internet whilst connected to the network they administer.

Now unless they install monitoring software on your computer, they may not be able to see what you do whilst connected outside of their dominion.

There are methods you can use to make it harder for them to see what you are doing whilst on their network, but in my experience this will only signal a red flag to any competent IT worker (such as myself.)

Further, if you are accessing internet sources while connected to their network then its not unnecessarily considered private, now is it? E-mails can be the exception to the rule, but then their bandwidth = their rules. Especially if your job entails handling sensitive data of any form.

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[info]agentgoodnight
2008-07-14 12:42 pm UTC (link)
Thank you!

As I asked the person above, how is this affected when the company recently networks their computers. I think it starts Tuesday. Will my information be spread to others because of the cable, or will the mainframe be started anew. Thanks!

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[info]jasoncrowley
2008-07-15 02:33 am UTC (link)
I very much doubt they will scout your computer for files on it.

They are more likely to be looking for what you are doing with the internet while you are connected. What websites are being visited, what files are being transfered, etc.

Better yet, ask them! Most IT personnel are more approachable on this subject than you might imagine.

There are various reasons a company would be doing this. They may be getting bandwidth spikes from within the company at certain times, and are concerned that individuals are doing things they shouldn't be (such as watching shows on hulu.com .) Or they may be seeing a deviation in work performance during certain shift... or even more likely certain individuals shifts.

Of course if you're serious about keeping your files private I would be using some form of encryption anyway. Something like trucrypt would be a better answer than blind faith. I'm fairly certain the IT staff isn't interested in your personal stuff on your laptop, but that doesn't mean its a good idea to leave the possibility open to anyone anyway.

Depending on how your laptop is configured (folder sharing configured for example) your personal stuff may not be a gigantic hurdle to someone who is truly interested for whatever reason. Using some form of encryption puts a serious wall between anyone unauthorized and your data.

Thats my suggestion anyway.

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[info]dujour
2008-07-14 07:20 am UTC (link)
The first thing I would do is delete all cookies, browsing history, and temporary files using the Explorer Utility. Just do a complete cleanup. Check the "tools" option on your Explorer toolbar.

Depending on the sophistication of your systems, they may actually "look" at what you're looking at without you even knowing they're remotely connected to your pc.

Whatever you're doing, if it doesn't further your efforts to meet the company mission...you're not working. And that is just how they will see it.

Good luck!

Edited at 2008-07-14 07:21 am UTC

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