Where’s my company’s data?

             
Companies often implement monitoring systems on work-related devices for security reasons, if your company deals with sensitive material, or especially if you are dealing with what can be named essential data (health records, financial data) you can likely bet your employer needs to know where the companies’ data is. 

Don’t use work-related devices for personal use or storage.  

1. For the company, and yourself, it is essential for you to only use approved applications and avoid using public Wi-Fi for the company you work for, with a working account and viable password with it.
2. The company in question has no clue where their data is, or where the customer’s data is.
3. If a company uses one drive, and a new employee is using their personal dropbox to exchange important information, the company’s information is at high risk of cyber invasion and the loss of vital information.  
4.  It’s likely that some of the personal applications they use may not be as stringent with their security requirements. 

Platforms like Google Docs, Slack, or similar. 

1. Since it’s online and not software installed on our computers, it’s easy to think of G Suite, which includes services like Gmail, Google Docs, and Sheets, as private productivity software.
2. Administrative users like on G Suite Enterprise can look up any phrase to find information on these platforms, just as you can in your own personal account.
3. Employers can set up audits to be notified of suspicious behavior, with the option of creating custom scripts to retain data.
4. Although it may be convenient, using the personal information on your work-provided device can put you and your company’s data in harm’s way. To prevent this from happening, it is up to each employee as an individual to only use approved methods of communication and to save information on secure Wi-Fi networks.  

What can be done to protect both you and your company’s data? 

1. Only use company approved applications, with secure and approved usernames and passwords 
2. Keep personal information off of your work device.  
3. Don’t use online platforms such as Gmail, for private information, this can be accessed, even if only saved in drafts.
4. Always assume your internet traffic is being monitored.
5. Be careful with working in public with your issued device, use secure Wi-FI.