Hey everyone! I have a work PC and two monitors set up for remote work. I primarily use one screen while keeping Slack open on the second. I'm curious about whether it's safe to use that second monitor for things like listening to music or watching YouTube. My company has said they monitor employees' systems, but I'm unsure about how extensive their monitoring really is. Some coworkers think it's unprofessional and avoid any personal use on work devices, while others say it's not a big deal. I've also not noticed anything suspicious running on my system. Can they see what I'm doing in real-time or know when I open sites like YouTube or Spotify? And how can I check if my computer is being monitored? I've attached my system info and running processes for reference. Thanks!
5 Answers
Yes, they can typically see what apps you open on your work PC. Most monitoring software logs that kind of activity. To be on the safe side, avoid using the work device for personal stuff like streaming. It’s better to use your personal devices for things like music or videos.
They often won't care until they need a reason, so it's wise to play it safe.
Just assume they can see everything on your work computer. The best bet is to keep all personal stuff off of it—better safe than sorry!
You should always assume that your employer can see what you're doing. How much they actually monitor depends on the company. It's safer to ask your manager about the acceptable use policy. But usually, they won’t mind if you stream music as long as your work gets done.
Right? Better to check with them than risk any surprises later.
If you're working from home, why not just use another device for music or videos? It keeps things simple and avoids any monitoring complications!
I get it, space can be tight! Maybe a small speaker or earbuds might help.
From my experience, most companies do monitor work devices. They might not check everything daily, but they can see what applications are running and what sites you visit. If it’s not work-related, definitely avoid doing it on your work computer to be safe.
Exactly, just stick to using your personal device. Even if the company might not care about certain activities, it’s best to keep work and personal separate.