Keep Work and Personal Separate: Why You Shouldn’t Mix Business and Personal on Company Devices

In today’s interconnected world, it’s tempting to use company devices for personal tasks. However, mixing business and personal activities on your company’s workstations, PCs and phones can have serious security implications.

The Risks of Mixing Business and Personal Use

• Malware Infections: Personal browsing and social media use can expose your company’s network to malware and other malicious software. Clicking on a compromised link or downloading a malicious file on a company device can provide hackers with an entry point into your organization’s systems.
  
• Compromised Accounts: As you mentioned, social media accounts are frequently targeted by hackers. If you access a compromised personal account on a company device, the hacker could potentially gain access to your company’s network through your email or other applications.
  
• Data Breaches: Personal use of company devices can lead to accidental data breaches. For example, you might inadvertently share sensitive company information on a social media platform or download personal files containing malware onto your work computer.
  
• Legal and Compliance Issues: Many organizations have strict policies regarding the use of company devices and internet access. Violating these policies can lead to disciplinary action, including termination.

Best Practices for Device Usage

• Keep Work and Personal Separate: The golden rule is to use company devices solely for work-related activities. Avoid personal browsing, social media, and accessing personal email accounts on company-owned equipment.
  
• Use Personal Devices for Personal Tasks: If you need to check personal email or social media, do so on your personal devices during your own time.
  
• Secure Your Personal Accounts: Implement strong security measures on your personal accounts, such as:
  
  • Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA on all your personal accounts, especially email and social media. This adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for hackers to gain access even if they have your password.
  • Strong, Unique Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. A password manager can help you generate and store complex passwords securely.
    
• Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: When using company devices in public places, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid accessing sensitive information in areas where others can see your screen.

Protecting Your Company and Yourself

By following these guidelines, you can help protect your company’s network and your own personal information from cyber threats. Remember, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

Thomas is senior vice president of Ergon Consulting Group in Richardson, Texas. Connect with Rolondo at rthomas@ergongrp.com.