network

MKD1401 · #1 April 6th, 2005, 08:58 PM

Can anyone tell me if I'm on a network at work, using AOL & IE to access web sites, how much does the administrator see as far as my activity?
If I clear my internet history does it clear their viewing of my activity as well?

**z1p** · #2 April 6th, 2005, 10:54 PM

Most likely everything. unless it is a small company, you are going out through a firewall. So, that means if they want they can see everything you send or receive. That is unless it is encrypted, then they can only see where you are sending to or receiving from.

So, if you connect to website from web and make a post to it, then it is quite likely that your work and see what you posted. However, if you log onto to your bank website through a secure connection, your work could only see that you were connected to that website.

The same is true for email and IM.

ceh383 · #3 April 7th, 2005, 04:29 AM

Many companies use software to capture keystrokes.......
If yours uses this type of software, they can see every key you push.
The use of a firewall does not mean they are logging web activity, however, if you hit the web through a proxy server they probably are.....

**Murray S.** · #4 April 7th, 2005, 05:04 AM

Howdy and welcome to CTH:

In addition to the excellent answers already given, if your company uses an exchange server for the email, they can even read whatever is in your email account should they wish to..

As well, if they have an "acceptable internet use" policy, inappropriate or personal use of a company system can be grounds for dismissal..

Murray

MKD1401 · #5 April 7th, 2005, 06:41 AM

Thanks for the info...I work for a small company so I doubt that they go to great lengths to monitor, but I do know that they know if someone is on the Internet. I use my work email for work purposes only, my AOL for personal.
I would hope that they would not be able to actually read my private AOL email!
We are allowed some personal Internet time, I was just wondering to what extent beyond a website address that they had visible to them. When I clear my Internet cache does it clear what they see?

**z1p** · #6 April 7th, 2005, 12:49 PM

Unless you use an encrpyted connection, which I don't think AOL supports then your company is able to see everything you send or receive from the internet. Additionally, ceh383 it is possible that your company is running monitoring software on your PC. If they do that then they can see everything you do on your PC.

If you clear your internet cache and history it will prevent the casual 'search' of your PC from seeing what you have been doing.

The bottom line (and most companies will tell you this, at least if you ask), do not expect ANY privacy on a company PC or internet connection.