When you’re spending eight (or more) hours a day on your work computer, it can be tempting to blur the lines between professional and personal use. But here’s the reality: work computers are company property, and every action taken on them could leave you vulnerable in ways you might not expect.
Here are eight things I never do on my work computer—and trust me, you shouldn’t either.
I get it: checking your Facebook or Twitter during lunch sounds harmless, but that’s a slippery slope. Once you log in, it’s all too easy to spend “just a minute” scrolling through your feed or getting caught up in notifications. But do you really want your work network—or worse, your employer—to see just how much time you’re spending on social apps? Personally, I’d rather keep my personal updates where they belong: on my phone.
2 Saving Passwords in the Browser
It’s easy to save passwords in your browser. That little prompt pops up, and it feels like a relief to hit “Save” so you don’t have to remember it next time. But this convenience comes at a cost. There are several reasons to avoid your browser’s password manager, with the main one being that browsers are not designed with the highest level of security in mind. Saved passwords on your browser are often vulnerable to being accessed by hackers or even by someone who gets physical access to your machine.
If your work computer is ever lost, stolen, or compromised, those saved passwords could expose your personal accounts—and potentially your work accounts as well. Hackers know that once they get into a browser, they often have easy access to a treasure trove of stored credentials.
That’s why I never store passwords in my work browser. Instead, I rely on a password manager, which keeps passwords securely encrypted and accessible only through a master password. This way, I know that even if my computer is compromised, my credentials won’t be.
3 Storing Personal Files
It’s tempting to store personal files on your work computer, especially when it’s so easy to drop things into folders or onto your desktop. Whether it’s photos, personal documents, or something you’re working on outside your job, it might feel convenient in the moment. However, storing personal files on a work machine is a bad idea for several reasons.
First, anything on your work computer is technically accessible by your employer. Depending on the company’s IT policies, they might be able to scan your files, back them up, or even delete them without notice. That’s not to mention the potential for those files to become exposed if the company experiences a security breach.
Then there’s the simple matter of separating your work and personal life. Having personal files on a work machine can blur those lines and cause distractions. Instead of keeping personal items on my work computer, I use cloud storage like Google Drive and Dropbox or an external hard drive. This way, my files stay secure and out of reach of any work-related issues.
4 Chat With Friends and Family
When you’re sitting at your desk for hours, it can be alluring to send a quick message to your friends or family to break up the day. However, your work computer is not the place for personal chats, even if it’s just to check in or plan dinner. Using personal email or messaging platforms from your work machine can leave you exposed to potential privacy issues.
For starters, many companies monitor internet usage, and even personal communication platforms like Gmail or WhatsApp could end up being visible on the company network. If you’re using work-provided software or a device, those communications may not be as private as you think. Plus, it’s a distraction that can pull you away from work.
We’ve all been there—an email notification pops up about a flash sale, and suddenly you’re on your favorite shopping site browsing for deals. But here’s the problem: entering credit card details and personal info on your work computer opens up a door you don’t want open. If your company monitors activity or if the device gets compromised, your personal payment info could be at risk.
6 Leaving It Unlocked
This one’s a no-brainer, but also one of the easiest mistakes to make. I used to leave my work computer unlocked when grabbing coffee or taking a quick break, but it takes just a few minutes for someone to access sensitive information or even send out emails under your name.
Some companies have policies that require employees to lock their computers when they step away. But even if your company doesn’t, this should be a non-negotiable habit. I make it a point to lock my computer every time I step away, no matter how briefly.
7 Using Public Wi-Fi
We all love the convenience of free Wi-Fi, especially when working from coffee shops or airports. However, using public networks is one of the riskiest things you can do on a work computer. These networks are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept data, including company files or login information.
If I absolutely need to connect while on the go, I use a VPN to create a secure connection. It’s a simple step that adds a layer of protection between your data and prying eyes.
8 Job Searching
This one might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how common it is for people to search for new jobs on their current employer’s computer. It’s risky for several reasons: your employer can track web traffic, and there’s always the chance you might accidentally leave a job board or application open for prying eyes. And let’s be honest, it’s a bit awkward to use company resources to find your next gig.
I keep job searches strictly for my personal devices. It keeps things professional and avoids any unnecessary awkwardness if anyone ever catches wind of my plans to move on.
These habits might seem small, but they make a world of difference in keeping your work computer secure and your professional life in order. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal tasks is essential—not just for productivity, but for your own peace of mind.
