Internet Security at Work

When we are at the office, we are supposed to be using our computers for work related purposes. In reality, however, managers and supervisors know that on breaks we will want to check our emails and maybe surf the Web a little. Most companies have pretty loose policies on Internet usage, just so long as you follow some simple guidelines. Other companies will, however, have stringent policies regarding using the Internet. The fear of viruses, Trojan horses, and Spyware, just to name a few, are enough reasons to limit personal Internet time while working.

Above all else, you should follow your company’s guidelines regarding Internet and computer use. If your company has a policy of no gaming or no surfing, you should obviously find a more appropriate time for those activities. Some companies are no longer allowing employees to check their personal email accounts. Since viruses abound on the ‘net and through attachments, many companies do not want to take any risks. A bad computer virus could destroy many important files and leave the company and it’s clients vulnerable to hackers.

You should, additionally, be aware that many companies are choosing to monitor their employees’ Internet usage. In most cases, the place-of-employment will have a written contract for you to sign that states you will not use workstation computers for certain activities. Some companies are more flexible than others, but it is becoming a trend and necessity for many companies to adopt Internet usage procedures.

Whether you are the primary user or share the computer with other office employees, you should be careful to consider your personal security. The workstation at your office is there for your use but remains the property of your employer; you never know who might actually use your computer when you are not around. You should take basic steps to ensure your safety and privacy when using your computer at work.

First of all, you should make sure that your system is equipped with a good and current anti-virus software program. Viruses can come from anywhere and strike at any time; if you do not have a shield against them, you are putting yourself and the company at risk. Most companies will have anti-virus software on their computers, but if you are concerned, you should speak with the management. Run the virus scan regularly and be sure to scan all of your attachments before opening. Making good practice of avoiding viruses is the best way to protect yourself.

Besides concerns about Internet safety, many people deal with sensitive information on their job. Having access to others’ personal lives such as financial records, educational records, driving records or other sensitive information should be treated with carefulness. Employees should always log out of their programs and desktop when they are away from their desk. Whether you are going out to lunch or just stepping away for a trip to the restroom, coworkers and passersby could easily take a peak at the files you are working on. It is always a good idea to log yourself out when you are away.

You should make a habit of logging yourself out of any and all accounts you have open in your browser’s window. Whether it is work-related or your own personal accounts, leaving yourself logged in, even if you close the browser, is a surefire invitation for snoops and hackers. Even the most experienced hackers will have a much more difficult time breaking into your personal information if you have logged yourself out. Many companies will have some basic computer security tips in your orientation or training. Even if they do not, however, you should take the basic steps such as logging out and watching for viruses in order to protect yourself and the company.

In order for all of us to have a good and safe Internet experience, we must all take the responsibility of adhering to computer safety. It is in your best interest to follow these steps in conjunction, or addition, to your company’s computer policies. Not only could you be compromising your clients’ information, you could be putting yourself at risk for inquiry, and in some cases, even termination. Be sure to fully understand the policy set forth by your employer. Most companies do not develop policies to be overly strict to their employees; their reasons may very well be security related and are very important to follow.

Source: www.securitytutorial.com