Internet security can employers go through you files

[oracle39]

I always knew that emails and internet use was monitored by the employer (local authority). However the other day I caught someone read handed looking through a doc on my desktop remotely! I checked the name that came up transparently that they were editing a read only file ( It wasn't a read only file to me, but maybe it is to the webspace peeping Toms!). The doc was clearly a form that is work related, I had started it and was formulating an email for it to be attached to, and I went for a tea break and saw it was being looked at; they quickly broke off when they realised I was back at the pc. Ichecked the name that came up and it was someone HIGH in Internet Security for our company. As a senior I often warn the young ones that anything they do whilst logged on is not private and to be careful. Talk about Big Brother! But Were they over stepping the line?

[boxtops]

I don't think so. Our IT department can take over our computers on our intranet, as long as they know the code for our individual computers. Our email usage and pretty well everything we do is logged and can be recalled by the IT department if need be (and I'm in the public sector too). Your doc would be read-only to someone else if you were already working on it - we have items like this on our shared drive, if one of us opens it, only they can make changes, the rest of us can look. Perhaps they were doing some sort of random check? I must admit my computer's never been accessed (that I know of) without me being there too, and being aware of it while they try to fix something.

[factor-fiction]

Was it just a Word type document? These are stored on a network and belong to the company so it's not unusual for other people to see them. They may have been being nosey or they may have had a genuine reason.
Maybe you should password protect docs or type them on your C drive .

[oracle39]

In the past when there has been a problem the IT dept have been able to access remotely but I usely have to give permission onscreen. We do have shared drives, which is why its sometimes quicker to access fot the sake of attachments from my desk top then I move it to a folder. The reason why I was suspicious was inbetween writing the form I was also communication with union reps about a forthcoming meeting!

[Count-A-Strong]

What's the point of having internet or intranet security if tbey can't view files. I really can't see why your concerned.

[AlBags]

Are you sure that file/folder was not on a 'Network' Drive .. off of your PC? This will appear as a drive/folder on your PC in Explorer.
Have a look.

[DTCwordfan]

Nope you have no rights, Its their computer system, and you are contracted to them. Tuff.

[oracle39]

The reason they monitor Internet usage is because some people might use it to look at illegal inappropiate material. The reason emails are monitored is because malicious communications is actually against the law!
If they were rummaging through my files they were spying!!! Maybe on behalf of management regarding union/employee issues. I am trying to find out on AB if there are boundaries regarding this.

[Count-A-Strong]

Ah, office politics.
Truly. Well. And. Can. Worms. Open. Of.

[DTCwordfan]

in some companies they are monitoring for trading controls and information disclosure.

To oracle, may I suggest that you start with your employment contract and look at the wording on company information and IT usage - many companies also convey their information in a supplementary letter at the time or contract - and they also retain the right to change the conditions at their will.

[oracle39]

This service was TUPE'd over to a private company, and believe me they do not play by the rulesat the best of times! Contracts of employment have very little meaning to them. Even their own policies and procedures are pure works of fiction, worded perfectly to attract potential clients.

[DTCwordfan]

£100 odds on that your contract has a right of assignment clause (a change clause) that allows them to do this......

[oracle39]

Maybe there isn't anyone on tonight with legal expertise, thank you anyway. Sorry I did put this on law too, but I was looking for a legal answer to an employment question so wasn't sure of best place to put it. My intention was only to try and attract a direction for a legal answer. My apologies if my double post has caused irritation.