I haven’t seen this exact question before, but I have my personal phone with a work VPN installed to access apps like Teams and Edge. It’s called Tunnel. What I want to know is if I’m not connected to the VPN, what can my company see about what I do on my phone? I’m using my home WiFi, but I really don’t want them seeing certain things. If I’m not using the apps that are included in the VPN, can they see everything else on my phone anyway? I assume they can see everything while I’m connected.
If the VPN isn’t on, they can’t see anything. When it’s on, they can see most of your activity.
Also, check the permissions on your work apps. My old Outlook account tried to get full remote access to everything on my phone.
If the VPN isn’t on, they can’t see anything.
MDM software that often comes with the VPN might still be able to communicate over the internet, even if the VPN is off. This is to help with tracking and security.
You should assume that any device that has company info, like emails, has some form of remote access.
@Blake
That’s what my second point was about.
iOS and Android require users to give explicit permission for anything like that. You can check app permissions too.
Avoid using personal devices for work tasks altogether.
If your employer can afford to pay you, they should provide the tools you need.
Joey said:
Avoid using personal devices for work tasks altogether.
If your employer can afford to pay you, they should provide the tools you need.
I get the point, but it feels like people keep saying that like I have a real choice lol
@Cal
You actually do have a choice.
You can decide not to take jobs that require you to use your own tech.
You can ask them to provide you with a work laptop.
If they give you a laptop, it protects their data, and it also prevents any chance of you taking their info when you leave.
The only time using personal devices should be an option is when you don’t have other options, and even then, there are alternatives.
My company is based in Ireland, but we had an employee in Argentina who used her personal device to connect to an AVD and do her work via that. We agreed to cover any repairs if there were issues with her computer while she worked with us.
What would your company do if you suddenly didn’t have your computer?
It really can depend on what else was included in the VPN setup. Bossware or Mobile Device Management software can easily be bundled in there without people realizing it.
How intrusive the software is depends on which one it is and how the settings are configured.
In many tech forums, people are always suggesting not to mix personal and work on the same device. It’s best to avoid installing anything work-related on your personal phone. They should provide what you need. I know that doesn’t always happen though.
Consider getting a tablet or a cheap laptop just for work. With holiday sales coming, you might find some good deals.
@Blake
I have Teams on my personal phone, logged in only there with my work account. I guess that’s okay?
Usually, when you’re connected to a VPN, all traffic goes through it. Visiting external sites would go through your work’s network. But some VPN setups might allow access to the outside without going through the tunnel, though you shouldn’t count on that.
This question comes up all the time. It wouldn’t hurt to learn a bit about how VPNs work. You know, search engines and wikis can help, or just ask your IT person.
Why is it so tough for people to keep personal and work devices separate?
The best excuse I hear is, I don’t want to carry two devices. But I see it differently; my work devices can be checked or taken back anytime. Why would I want them having access to personal stuff like family photos or my search history?
When my work laptop was upgraded recently, I just had to return my old one without a second thought. They don’t back up your personal data.
If you read this far, I’m not trying to put anyone down, just reminding you to be aware of your company’s rules regarding work devices and make your own choices.
This has been asked so many times; just search and you’ll find the answers…
If you can connect to a VPN, the only thing they’ll know is that you’re using a VPN. Everything else you do should happen outside their view. Just check your company policy on VPNs—it may not be allowed without prior approval, and they’ll definitely know if you’re using one.