Computer Security Tips

How safe is your company's data on an employee's personal computer?

Having employees use their own computer can be attractive to a company. They can simply pay a per diem to the employee and not have to bother with matters pertaining to rented, leased and/or owned equipment.

Unfortunately, risks are associated with having employees use their own computer.

Here are some things to think about before allowing an employee to use their own computer:

• Companies are putting themselves at risk for allowing employees to use personal computers. An employee's wrong doing can become a liability to the company.

• One main problem is when users connect their computer or device to the network they risk infecting the network with a virus or malware, or cause the leak of valuable information through their private devices.

• Employees bringing their own device carry a potential liability to themselves as well. If the company is sued, or the equipment confiscated, the personal devices can become part of the search/seizure.

• Security can be compromised in regards to proprietary information, dealings, intellectual property, plans, in-office memos and discussions when an employee uses their own computer.

• Employees using their own computers may hinder productivity and encourage non-ethical or questionable activity.

• Being able to monitor an employee's computer can add a deterrent to employee's behavior. Monitoring an employee's personal computer may not be feasible. Monitoring a rented computer is much less restrictive.

• Using rented computers can add to control and cut down on distractions.

• Rented computers can be set up, to not have administrator privileges so that apps or software aren't installed that could compromise security.

• If you don't have a lot of computers it doesn't make sense to hire a full time Information Technology Specialist.