Network security/privacy at work

[BobSeager]

Hi All,

Just yesterday this beloved site got checked by whatever software it is my office uses (the browser is internet explorer) to filter sites it deems inappropriate...

First order of business was to install firefox portable onto a usb drive so that I could get back in

Firefox is installed explicity to my usb drive now, and no content gets filtered by the office nanny software when I use FF to browse at work. It's not that I am looking at 'harmful content,' its just annoying because it filters stuff it shouldn't.

Anyway...anyone see any potential problems with the office detecting firefox running or, more crucially, what content I've browsed while on FF? Keep in mind I configured it to not store anything or download...etc.

I think 'crosses fingers' the WORST thing they could see is that firefox.exe is running...but I don't think they could access any info...plus my agency is bigger than microsoft so while it may be paranoid...I always say 'like a midget at the urinal...I'll have to be on my toes)

Thanks!

[CoFree]

i dont know man.
they maybe able to see what you are hitting.
the more i think about it i bet they can
they are bound to be able to see what ip you are going to.

wait for one of the better computer guys to have a look at this.

[Jman 31]

I'm not one of the "better computer guys", but you can bet if they have a good tech department they can see every move you make. The question is, do they really care? So they put a filter on it. That doesn't mean that they are watching what you are doing. It may simply mean that they are trying to filter out content that may be distracting workers from their job. i.e. RHPG.

It may also be to remove the chance of a sexual harassment suit. If one coworker shows another something that they didn't want to see, it can be construed as sexual harassment.

[sadalius]

If they are serious about protecting their network, they can tell without even looking at your computer what your daily surfing habits are. And if they are good at implementing firewall rules, they can even set it up to where all sites but those that are deemed business worthy are allowed to be brought up on the net. If you can circumvent the block by simply using a different browser, it may just be that they just have the IE phising filter on or something.

Its generally good practice to not circumvent the workplace implementations. Like Jman said, the wrong or I should say the right person happens by your workstation and your looking at something that could even be in the least offensive, they could file a sexual harassment case. I don't know what kind of relationship you have with your IT dept. but I just out right ask my engineering staff what I can and can't do. Then if something comes up that it doesn't cover, I ask permission. Thats just me though.

[CoFree]

yea man
as much as i like you on the site.
i dont want you to get in trouble being on the site at work.

[BobSeager]

Thanks guys, all good points. I surmise the best bet is to just keep it to a minimum

[Sesshomaru]

I have hermaphrodite porn streamed to my desktop, the children don't seem to mind during office visits...