Should You Be Monitoring User Activity Within Your Digital Enterprise?

Every employee uses digital devices to help get their work done. PCs, tablets, and smartphones are common tools everyone uses in the workday. Suppose an employee chooses to use these devices for personal use (whether checking Facebook or playing video games). In that case, there is no way for you as a business owner to monitor that activity. And without monitoring that activity, your company could be subject to fines and penalties by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

The Information Commissioner’s Office enforces data protection laws throughout England and Wales, keeping businesses accountable when violating user privacy rights outlined in the Data Protection Act 1998.

Many companies wrongly assume that they are not subject to the ICO if they do not provide internet access or email services to their employees. However, any businesses that hold or process personal data do fall under this legislation, and a breach of the Act would result in ‘monetary penalties.’

What is User Activity Monitoring?

User activity monitoring is a process by which you can track and record employees’ actions while they are using company devices – both work-related and personal. By tracking user activity, you can ensure that employees are only using their devices for business purposes and that they are not violating your company’s privacy policies.

Why Should You Be Monitoring User Activity?

The benefits of monitoring user activity are threefold:

Protect Against Data Breaches

Breaches often occur when an employee accesses or downloads unauthorized information onto their device. If this information is then shared with others, it could lead to a data breach. By monitoring user activity, you can identify any malicious or unauthorized behavior and prevent it from causing damage to your company.

Comply with Data Protection Regulations

As mentioned earlier, the ICO can penalize businesses that violate user privacy rights. By monitoring user activity, you can ensure that all employees follow your company’s privacy policies and that no personal data is being accessed or shared without authorization.

Boost Productivity

When employees use their devices for personal reasons, it often leads to distractions and decreased productivity. You can identify which employees are slacking off by monitoring user activity and address the issue accordingly.

Boost Profitability

When employees are focused on their work and using company devices for business purposes only, it can increase productivity and profitability. Aside from a greater focus by employees on their work, user activity monitoring also help protect your business from potential fines and sanctions associated with data breaches.

It’s important to know what the potential fines and sanctions are if you’re not able to prevent a data breach. The Information Commissioner’s Office enforces data protection laws throughout England and Wales, keeping businesses accountable when violating user privacy rights outlined in the Data Protection Act 1998.

Many companies wrongly assume that they are not subject to the ICO if they do not provide internet access or email services to their employees. However, any businesses that hold or process personal data do fall under this legislation, and a breach of the Act would result in ‘monetary penalties.

What Can You Do To Monitor User Activity?

It is important to note that the ICO only allows monitoring user activity in specific circumstances. That being said, there are various ways you can monitor when employees are using company devices:

Remote-Wipe Devices

When an employee leaves your company, you can remotely wipe the data on their device, ensuring they do not take any sensitive information with them.

Video Surveillance

This method involves placing security cameras in public areas where employees use their devices (i.e., break rooms or cafeterias). Later on, you can review this footage to determine how employees are using these devices outside of work hours.

Software Applications

The easiest way to monitor user activity is through software applications offered by companies like Pathlock. By installing software onto the devices, you can track what employees are doing and even record their screen activity.

Access Control Systems

Another way to monitor user activity is by implementing access control systems. You can use these systems to set time restrictions and block certain apps from being used on employees’ devices. Access control systems restrict employee access to certain devices and applications based on their job title or role within the company.

Final Thoughts

Digital enterprises have to be vigilant in protecting their data from breaches and compliance with data protection regulations. By monitoring user activity, you can protect your company from malicious behavior and ensure that all employees follow your privacy policies. There are several ways you can monitor user activity, so be sure to explore what option would work best for your company.