In addtion to having yet another weekend ruined do to job responsibilities, I get in this morning and the IT guy gives me a scoop. It seems someone has took it upon themselves to go through all the files on my computer. This pisses me off, and to be honest my gut reaction is to quit. Has anyone else been through this? How’d you handle it?
I don’t think it’s unreasonable. do you know who did it? Have you confronted them?
It could be that they were looking for a document that maybe only you had and they couldn’t find it? Don’t jump to conclusions but I’d pursue it to find out what the deal was.
I pretty sure I know who did it. Because of the time it occured and passwords, it leaves only three possible people, one of whom is myself, another is the IT guy and it wasn’t him either. So due to process of elimination, I know who it is. I asked him about it and he denies it was him. So now Im left with 2 opinions.
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The IT guys lying (which doesn’t make sense since he told me in the first place.
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The guy I confronted told me a bald faced lie.
What type of files were they? If they were “corporate” info, I don’t see the problem. If they were personal, maybe they won’t supposed to be there. If they were very personal, make sure you have a large enough balance for the blackmail payments.
Really, though, what kind of files are you talking about here?
It’s just plain workstuff, except e-mails, I can’t be sure that’s all work related. What really bothers me is the sneaky underhanded way it was done. Then compounded by a lie. That made me feel as if someone was trying to spy behing my back. As a company officer I feel that if someone wants to go through my computer files, they should have the proffesional courtesy to ask me directly or at least not lie to me when I call you on it.
If it was a file only you had and they needed it for work, then you would be slightly unreasonable. Other than that, I hate it when people touch my stuff and go through the roof.
I’m sure there is something better to do than beat them with a big stick, both for touching your stuff and lying, and as soon as my blood returns to its normal temp, I’ll think of it.
I hate lies. I hate people touching my stuff. I’m not all that fond of people in my space at all, come to think of it. Growl.
I’d tell the boss you’re quitting, and explain why. That type of stuff is ridiculous, and it sounds like their demanding alot of your free time be dedicated to the office. It depends on the office culture and the type of business, but theres a limit to the amount of last minute demands, and weekend obligations one should have to deal with. The market’s good, I wouldn’t be afraid to consider making a step up. The advice is to most definately make the reasons known, if you tell the employer what the problem is hopefully some changes will be made, and in turn its one drop in the bucket towards making the workplace as a whole better.
I say put it aside for the moment and sleep on it.
There’s so much information about this case that you haven’t posted: What is this fellow’s work relationship to you? Are there any foreseeable circumstances where this guy might have a legitimate reason to go into your computer? Exactly what did the IT guy tell you, and what did you ask the other guy? If the other guy just went into your computer to fetch a single work-related file, and you asked him “Did you go through all my files?” then he might feel justified in blowing you off with a simple “No” that is technically not a lie.
Will you blow the IT guy’s confidence by revealing something that he meant as a private confidence to you (the revelation that someone was in your computer)? How does the company view personal “ownership” of one’s computer and files? In a certain company culture, going into someone else’s computer may be no more culpable than borrowing a stapler from someone else’s desk. Maybe all that’s needed is a notice circulated by the front office that permission must be asked before going into someone else’s computer.
A key question: Have you already solved the problem? By confronting the other guy, you may have already scared him off from ever doing it again. In which case, quitting a job may be a nonsensical sacrifice on your part (if you like the job).
Or if you hate the job and welcome the chance to quit, then maybe you should hold your fire until you’ve been hired somewhere else.
I could go on. But I simply recommend that you put it aside and sleep on it a bit. You’ll be more able to put the situation in perspective tomorrow and figure out a response that is appropriate and possibly even constructive.
By the way, don’t take your resentment over working long hours and wrap it up along with this new problem. Go to the boss and address each problem as a separate issue. Easier to find solutions that way.
As the devil’s advocate… you’re sure the suspect did not give your password to someone else? Or that there isn’t a security loophole on your system?
As a network administrator there’s something you should know about computers and the office.
Any files located on your company system are property of the company you work for. Any emails that come across company email systems are the company property.
Unless you have something to hide, you shouldn’t have any reason to quit your job over someone going through your computer. If you have something to hide, I recommend getting those files off that computer immediately.
Other than that, know that anyone, at any time can go through your computer at your office and it’s all perfectly legal. Even if you are an officer of the company, you are still bound by the same rules and regulations as any other employee of the company.
My client has instituted an acceptable computer use and email policy and at any time my brother (who is second in command at the company) could have me tap into any computer on the network and look through personal files. For that matter, the president of the company could have me do the same to my brother’s computer.
If you do a search on CNet or ZDnet you will find many articles written about the legality of cyber snooping by a company.
Now, on the other side of the deal, if it was an employee that is not authorized to view certain files. He/she could be reprimanded and possibly fired if those files are confidential in nature, aka critical personnel files like salaries and the like.
I think it would be silly to quit a job over someone looking through your computer files.
Omniscient I’ve considered doing just that, but Im trying not to make a decision in anger. I’ve had offers though, and now Im thinking of checking them out.
JTR He’s the VP of Ops, Im Marketing, I can’t think of a conceivable reason for him to need any of my files. However he’s also the son of the owner, so …
We don’t have a policy as relating to computers. However I have an identical system to this one at home because I occasionally work from there. That one Im cleared in writing to use as I see fit including personal use, until this incident I assumed they were both controlled by the same policy (because of the way its worded Im not sure) as I got them at the same time.
As for whether I scared him off already, perhaps, it’s hard to say just now.
mrblue92 It’s possible he could have given it to someone else, but susposedly there are only 4 people in the company with access to all passwords. We actually ran a security check Friday including a password buster program. The systems integrity is intact. Funny thing is, only my and the IT guys passwords made it pass the password breaker program.
Your work computer is just that- a work computer. You shouldn’t quit over someone looking at your files UNLESS:
They are confidential and that person does not have the right to access them (like payroll, etc). In this case, a member of management/president should address the situation as a security breach.
They hacked your password to get in. If they have a legitimate need to be on your computer (like a member of IS), they shouldn’t need to mess with your password. So how did they get in to your files?
It’s not something to quit over at all. I told all of my users where I’m a Systems Admin now that I can and will look at many files on their computer. They are not to keep anything personal on there. The only exception is payroll, where I respect everyone’s right to privacy.
Zette
Zette & technichik68
Someone sent me a copy of the policies you’ve both mentioned. However I believe that those policies are susposed to be in writing, I could be wrong. That being said, I think it’s (my situtaion) wrong to do it the way it was done to me.
My personal interpretation, is that it shows a clear lack of trust. That offends me greatly. I can do without those kinds of feelings. As much as i sacrifice for this company, the least I’m entitled to is trust, and communication. Not going behind my back and lying about it. If they can’t be upfront about something like this, I can take my talent elsewhere, where my personal ethics carry more weight.
While agree with techchick that’s it’s technically OK if it was done in an official capacity, I had the impression from the OP that it was not. Even so, I know I would feel rather disgusted if it was done in a less than tactful manner or without reason. “Big Brother” tactics, though legal, are not conducive to a comfortable working environment.
Secondly, access to all passwords is irrelevant if your password is compromised. No password buster in the world will tell you who has your password–it just tells you if the password is in a dictionary or is commonly used. Windows security is not the best in the world, and I’ve heard that even on NT there are serious security loopholes–no password in the world will protect you from those unless you encrypt your important files yourself.
As far as Im concerned mrblue92 It was not done in an official capacity, as this person falls outside of my COC, nor is he the IT or NA if you prefer. This to me felt like an unofficial search for dirt or something, especially since he won’t fess up to it. FTR, Im going to drop it for now, Ive already changed my passwords. I did go to the CEO and let him know how I felt about it, and he agrees with me. So I’ll see how things progress from here.
When I posted my opinion, I was not commenting on if the actions are legal or ethical. While its smart to react in anger, I also don’t think an aniseptic attitude is proper either. Using the letter of the law, and the companies policies you have very little expectation of complete privacy on anything work related. This is all fine and good from a legal standpoint, and the companies power is certainly useful in certain circumstances.
My point is not what is legal and fair, but simply a matter of how they treat their employees. If a company has no quarrels with one employee enter another employees computer without permission (and by entension anyone enter you computer) then I’d interpret that as placing a low value on an employees feelings and personal well being. I personally would have no interest in working for a company that spent any time, or allowed other employees to spend time, snooping around my files without any cause. I’d like to think I can be treated as more than just a number on a pay stub, and be treated better than the carefully worded policy dictates.
…smart to not react in anger…
I agree with the statement that employers ‘should’ not monitor employees without cause. This is not so in the workplace. If I walk down to the cafeteria and out the door to have a smoke, I have been videotaped by 8 different cammeras. (this does not include the return trip!) While surfing if I enter a URL -or click on a link- that has key words such as ‘dick, porn, blah, blah etc.’ it is flagged and reported. All executable files are logged on our computers and downloaded to be monitored. (this stops me from installing, UnrealTournament - those bastards!)
I understand your reservations about having others browse through your files without permission, but it is happening without your consent constantly around you. Emails are like postcards. - anyone with access to your STMP server, or the receivers, can see them - Your computer is like a manilla folder lying on your desk with a red ‘confidential material’ stamp on it.
Best advise is to get yourself a laptop. Take it with you when you leave. If you are logged onto the network you are still vulnerable, but we all have to be connected at some point!
Dont get mad anyone, until you know who to be mad at! If your company allows, install a webcam on your computer. Set it to auto take pix of anyone touching your keyboard and then have it email the pix to yourself at home.
I’m “undercover” right now as I type this. I’m on the client’s machine and taking a break, but he has blocked most web access. I can’t check my email, or reach Yahoo, but the SDMB isn’t blocked.
I’ve been warned not to set a bad example for the regular employees, so I have pictures and colors disabled so it looks like I’m in a text editor.
Nothing like a few guilty pleasures to keep you looking over your shoulder.
There is a very good reason this type of thing is done. First, the company could be liable for copyright infringements. Second, it’s a pain to maintain one’s own PC sometimes; imagine maintaining hundreds or thousands of PC’s, most of whose users know little to nothing about maintaining PC’s. Now imagine if you let your users install program they get their hands on.
“Hello? Computer support? I just installed Half-Life and now my computer goes to safe-mode…”