The direct impact is caused as companies provide computers and laptops to employees for business use, though 75 per cent of staff admit to visiting non-work related websites with the equipment, which has resulted in malware and other problems.
It’s common for companies to introduce their own bespoke services or promote existing solutions to boost productivity, but half of Brits say they use personal cloud storage platforms, such as as Dropbox, for sharing corporate data and documents. Read more related stories:?
A majority 90 per cent claim to have some understanding of company computing procedures and follow it to an extent, but 8.5 per cent totally disregard policies on approved usage, the report shows, while six per cent have had to ask the IT department to repair damages after accessing pornography, torrents and other questionable material. Top uses for work computers at the office and home:At work Shopping ? 40 per cent Access personal social media ? 38 per cent Look for a new job ? 21.5 per cent Work for a 2nd job/home business ? 21 per cent Look at NSFW content ? 20 per cent Online gaming ? 19 per cent Gambling ? 9 per cent Online dating ? 8 per cent Torrents ? 7.5 per cent Away from work Shopping ? 57 per cent Access personal social media ? 53 per cent Look for a new job ? 47 per cent Online gaming ? 41.5 per cent Work for a 2nd job/home business ? 33.5 per cent Gambling ? 24 per cent Torrents ? 17 per cent Look at NSFW content ? 17 per cent Online dating ? 15.5 per cent Despite running the risks, 42 per cent are worried about how companies can monitor their personal use and 63 per cent believe iOS, Android and Windows tablets can be under surveillance in the same way they desktop PCs can. Sergio Galindo, general manager of GFI Software, said: ?Data security and integrity is a big challenge for companies as a result of the widespread movement away from desktop computers to laptops. ?Since laptops are usually brought home, they frequently get used out-of-hours for both work and non-work activities. Without clear policies and guidelines in place on approved personal use boundaries ? backed up with technology to limit access to the most challenging parts of the internet ? the dividing line between work tool and personal device, can quickly become blurred.? In the event they were to die, the data shows 21 per cent of people wouldn’t want their family or colleagues to see their web browser history or content stored on the device without the chance to ?sanitise their computer first?. And if employment were to end, 60 per cent would grab personal files and 35 per cent would snatch company files, data and customer lists, though 27 per cent wouldn’t take anything. Galindo added: ?There are clear arguments in favour of letting staff use company computers for a degree of personal activity. It?s good for morale, productivity and it?s just common sense. However, people still need to remember that at the end of the day it is not their device, and neither is the company data on it.? ?It is surprising how many people forget that and our survey underscores just how true this is. You would not go racing around a track in a company car, even though they let you take it home for an evening and pay for the petrol or diesel. The same principle applies to a company computer. Just because you can use it to access questionable content, doesn?t mean it is appropriate to do so.?
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.