With working remotely or bringing work home becoming common, most people double up their work computer as their personal computer. Switching between work and personal computers is a bit of a hassle. No cardinal rule says you can’t use your work computer for personal things. What could be the harm in storing your tax records, medical records, or children’s pictures on the office laptop? Let’s see what could happen.
Read on to learn 11 things to never store on your work computer.
Personal Photos And Videos
Storing personal photos and videos on your work computer might seem harmless, but it poses significant risks. According to a 2021 report by Varonis, only 5% of a company’s folders are protected. If your work computer is compromised, hackers could access your personal moments.
Additionally, if your company conducts an audit or repossesses the laptop, your private memories may no longer remain private. Imagine people going through your pictures which might feature you or your family members in inappropriate clothing or compromising actions.
Similarly, storing personal photos of documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, or birth certificates for convenience, on a work computer is a bad idea. If your device is hacked or accessed by IT staff, these personal details could be compromised.
Tax Documents
Tax records contain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and financial data, making them a prime target for hackers.
According to the IRS, identity theft related to tax filing has impacted more than a million Americans in recent years. Storing tax documents on your work computer could expose this information if your device is hacked or accessed by unauthorized personnel.
Video Or Computer Games Softwares
Many free or pirated games, often downloaded from unverified sources, are embedded with malware or spyware. According to a report by Kaspersky Lab, over 7 million malware incidents were linked to gaming platforms in 2022 alone.
Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in gaming software to gain access to devices. Even legitimate games can have security flaws such that installing them on a work computer can expose corporate networks to attacks. Multiplayer games, in particular, are prone to phishing attempts and scams through in-game chats or fake updates. Additionally, many games require access to personal data, such as login credentials or payment information, which can be stolen if the game is compromised.
Passwords
It’s tempting to save passwords in a document or your browser for easy access, but this habit is dangerous.
Over 80% of data breaches involved stolen or weak passwords. Even if your company uses antivirus software, storing passwords on your work computer increases the risk of credential theft. Additionally, in case you leave the job or change departments and forget to wipe the credentials, the new person in your place will have access to your email and social media. You wouldn’t want that.
Banking Information
Banking details, including account numbers and login credentials, should never be stored on your work computer. Using your work computer for online banking or storing financial documents makes it easier for cybercriminals to access your funds if your device is breached.
Personal Emails
According to Statista, a survey of employees and IT security personnel around the world revealed that half of those surveyed used their work devices to check personal emails.
Checking or storing personal email files on your work computer can lead to security vulnerabilities. Work devices are often monitored, and accessing personal emails could result in accidental data sharing between personal and professional accounts.
Social Security Numbers
Your Social Security number forms the most important part of personal information that should never be saved on your work computer. Identity theft is one of the growing concerns in the US. In 2024, around 2.9 billion people have had their SSNs compromised. Even a small breach could lead to severe consequences, including fraudulent loans or credit card applications in your name.
Personal Projects
Storing personal projects, such as freelance work or side businesses, on your work computer might seem efficient, but it’s risky. Not only does this mix personal and professional responsibilities, but it may also violate your company’s IT policies.
Additionally, if your computer is audited, your employer might gain access to sensitive details about your endeavors. Moonlighting, taking on an additional job outside work hours, is not seen favorably by most employees as it means decreased productivity, frequent absences, and suspicious behavior. It can put you in poor light before your employer and may cause you to lose your job if your employer feels it’s compromising your work ethic.
Medical Records
Medical records might seem safe to keep on your office laptop, but they are loaded with sensitive personal data. Statista says the healthcare organizations in the US saw 491 data breaches leading to the loss of over 500 records. This figure is slowly and steadily increasing. These records could also make you a target for insurance fraud or discrimination if they fall into the wrong hands.
Sensitive Conversations
Whether a private chat with a friend or a confidential conversation with a lawyer, such sensitive communications should never be stored on your work computer. These could be exposed during routine IT monitoring or in the event of a cyberattack. Such information in the wrong hands may lead to cyberbullying or blackmail.
Downloads From Unverified Sources
Downloading apps, games, unauthorized software, or files from unverified sources can introduce security risks and violate company policies. Many free software programs carry malware or spyware that could harm your data and your company’s network. Malware infections caused by unauthorized downloads are a leading cause of corporate security breaches.
In 2023, 6.06 billion malware attacks occurred. Stick to company-approved applications and avoid downloading personal files on your work computer to reduce risks.
