Keep Your Computer Private at Work

Protecting confidential information is more critical than ever, but an astounding 72 percent of people admit to sneaking glances at others' computers. Although the majority of Americans admit to snooping, 69 percent don't take precautions to keep their computers private.

Your workplace is a supposedly secure environment, but with so many people moving and walking around in an open space, how do you know your computer is actually private? Take these steps to help ensure information on your computer remains safe and secure from prying eyes:

Sign In and Out
This might seem simple enough, but many people will leave work without signing off of their computer. This leaves your computer open to anyone who might come by, whether just to take a look at the screen, or to use with your identity attached. Be aware of signing in and out of your computer, even if you are just leaving for lunch. It doesn't take much time for private information to be exposed.

Privacy Filter
Consider using a privacy filter to block other's vision of your computer screen. For example, 3M Privacy Filters block side views of laptop and desktop computer screens from wandering eyes while the user sees their screen clearly. Rather than simply blurring side views, this filter uses a unique microlouvre technology that makes the screen appear black, or even powered off, to anyone looking from the side. And the filter can easily be removed if needed.

Close Windows
Work can be busy and multitasking is a must. This means that you might have various windows open on your computer at a time. This might be necessary for a task, but be sure once you are done to close windows. Leaving windows open only opens up more information for onlookers to see and leaves your privacy vulnerable. If you need to have various windows open, be sure to minimize them at the bottom of the screen.

Sort E-mail
How big is your e-mail inbox? Many of us have a bad habit of letting our e-mail overflow with the large amount we receive each day. Your inbox is the main page you use to monitor your communications, and it is the best place for nosey coworkers to see what you and your contacts are saying. Even the subject line can say a lot. Try to keep your inbox to a reasonable size and sort logically with folders.

By being aware of your surroundings and taking the steps above you can help keep the information on your computer private. For more information about the 3M Privacy Filter, please visit www.3MPrivacyFilters.com.

Copyright © 2006, ARA Content