Question from Roland: I have a laptop that’s provided by my employer for business use. I have a question about also using it at home for personal use.
I’m allowed to take the laptop home every night, and I’m wondering if using Chrome in “Incognito Mode” will prevent the guys in IT from finding out which websites I visit?
The higher-ups in the company (and my direct boss) are all of a different political persuasion that I am and they would be very upset if they knew about some of the websites I visit.
I just don’t want to get into trouble over something like this. Thanks in advance for you answer.
Rick’s answer: Roland, Incognito Mode will prevent the browser from storing your browsing history, but since this is a company laptop there is a very good chance that your company’s IT department has installed software on it that tracks your every move while using that PC.
In fact, I would be very surprised if that isn’t the case.
What’s more, even when used in “Incognito” mode your machine will still store bits and pieces of data that can be used by a security pro to figure out (more or less) what you’ve been doing with the laptop.
My advice would be to refrain from using your company laptop to visit any website(s) that you wouldn’t want your employer to find out about.
Also, make sure that you avoid any websites or activities that could possibly result in the laptop becoming infected with a virus or some other form of malware.
Most companies take the security of their IT assets very seriously, and it isn’t at all uncommon for employees to get fired if the company believes they have misused company property in any way.
Please don’t consider my answer as being judgmental or “preachy” Roland, because it isn’t meant that way at all. I’m just trying to help you look out for your own best interests.
It sounds like your only concern is over what effect your political differences could have on your job and the workplace environment. Unfortunately, that could well be a legitimate concern.
I wish you the very best of luck!