According to a colleague, my workplace installed 'snooping' software recently on all our laptops. If I'm not connected to the work VPN will they still be able to track usage (assuming I use an anonymous browser)? |
If you have to log into your computer, they can probably track every keystroke. |
That's what I always assume about work laptops/computers and act accordingly. |
If it’s a work computer always assume your actions are logged.
Do you really have an “anonymous browser” installed on your work pc? (Doubt it) Or is it a “private browser”? Private browser essentially means it doesn’t store your history. |
What are you doing on your work computer OP? |
That's what I meant.. private browser.. |
They can see and hear everything. It would be malpractice to let you use a computer for work that they cannot monitor. |
I would buy my own computer for non work stuff |
Yes. |
A personal laptop will cost you like $200 for a basic model. Don’t risk it. Just get your own. |
Yeah, the term “Private” is misleading here. Private browsing pretty much means your browsing history won’t be saved off in your browser cache. Your work can absolutely still see where you’ve been if you use a private browser on a work pc. |
Yes, businesses have the legal right and (in many cases) the technical ability to monitor employee computer use, regardless of what network is being used (VPN or not). In most cases, no one watches your actual keystrokes--the data are used for security monitoring and troubleshooting. But one should always assume that one is being monitored when using a work device or a work network, unless the employer specifically says otherwise. |
Hear? |
If work laptop has a microphone inside, as most do, the employer could turn the microphone on. |