Total Team Solutions Blog

Privacy Expectations when using a company computer

By: Rob Lynn

A week ago, thirty seven million Ashley Madison internet subscribers had their data posted which included names, e-mails, credit card data, member profile, sexual preferences with explicit chats.    Millions of people have used their work e-mail to register on this dating site for married cheaters and HR experts/labor attorneys have cautioned employers against deliberately prying into employees’ personal affairs. 

This e-mail hacking should be used as a clear reminders about appropriate use of a company computer, company email and to explain to employees that they should have no expectation of privacy when it comes to company computer/emails.

What Should Employers Do?

Don’t go looking for websites that have created search files for the data hacked.  Seeking out employee behavior with information illegally obtained could be a recipe for headaches if the information is utilized at the workplace.  Make sure email policies are up to date and clearly explains to employees that computers and the internet should only be used for business purposes and that the employer may access and monitor their utilization at any time.  There should be no expectation of privacy when using a work computer.

Ashley Madison, Hillary Clinton, and Sony Pictures are three very clear examples that can be utilized when issuing a reminder of existing computer use policy or if establishing a policy regarding appropriate use of company resources, including the computer & email.

For 27 years, Total Team Solutions have been helping our clients with payroll administration, cost effective employee benefits and Human Resource consulting.   For further information on Total Team Solutions services, please utilize the contact page above and we will get right back to you.

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