Question My boss wants to install Bitdefender Endpoint Security tool?

[silsurf]

My boss wants to install Bitdefender Endpoint Security tool on my persoanl lapto so it can be handled remotely in the case of a breach. Are my personal files accessable by my boss if it is installed? What privacy issues might I consider in the situation?

Thanks

 

[kanewolf]

My boss wants to install Bitdefender Endpoint Security tool on my persoanl lapto so it can be handled remotely in the case of a breach. Are my personal files accessable by my boss if it is installed? What privacy issues might I consider in the situation?

Thanks

Are you doing work for this company on your private laptop as an employee rather than a contractor ?
Are you required to provide your own laptop as part of your employment agreement? Does your employment agreement have any provisions for what your employer may do to your personal laptop, assuming it accesses company resources ?

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

Hey there,

That's a tough one.

Personally, I wouldn't want that. What is your company's BYOD (bring your own device) policy?

If they are being strong about it, it might be worth asking your boss to get a work laptop.

 

[silsurf]

Are you doing work for this company on your private laptop as an employee rather than a contractor ?
Are you required to provide your own laptop as part of your employment agreement? Does your employment agreement have any provisions for what your employer may do to your personal laptop, assuming it accesses company resources ?

It is a work computer, but I have personal files on it. I use it as a private contractor

 

[silsurf]

Are you doing work for this company on your private laptop as an employee rather than a contractor ?
Are you required to provide your own laptop as part of your employment agreement? Does your employment agreement have any provisions for what your employer may do to your personal laptop, assuming it accesses company resources ?

As far as agreement, it is not really stated. If I push they will get me a dedicated laptop which is likely the way to go, but was wondering beforehand if I allow Bitdefender Endpoint Security tool to be installed and my boss has the access to that, can he also access my entire laptop?

 

[kanewolf]

It is a work computer, but I have personal files on it. I use it as a private contractor

If it was provided by work, then they can do whatever they want. It is their property. Remove your personal files.

 

[USAFRet]

As far as agreement, it is not really stated. If I push they will get me a dedicated laptop which is likely the way to go, but was wondering beforehand if I allow Bitdefender Endpoint Security tool to be installed and my boss has the access to that, can he also access my entire laptop?

It is their equipment.
Generally, they can access the whole thing.

 

[silsurf]

If it was provided by work, then they can do whatever they want. It is their property. Remove your personal files.

Sorry, I was unclear. It is a work computer that I purchased and use as a private contractor

 

[kanewolf]

Sorry, I was unclear. It is a work computer that I purchased and use as a private contractor

It would then go back to your employment agreement. As a contractor, that is what defines what your employer can do.
There is no easy answer. Your employer wants to protect their network. That is a legitimate business process.
You want to protect your privacy. A legitimate concern.
I think if you want to continue working, you should buy a laptop that you use ONLY for your contracting. That is a business expense. Then DON'T put personal info on that laptop.

 

[silsurf]

Thanks, it all makes sense. THe best thing to do is as you have outlined. I was asking more out of curiosity as my emplyer has told me that he will not be able to access my personal files and I just wanted to understand if that was true

 

[Ralston18]

Regarding:

"my emplyer has told me that he will not be able to access my personal files and I just wanted to understand if that was true".

He may believe that and it may be true. However, if the company network gets hacked (internally or externally) then your laptop is likely to be vulnerable.

As suggested in preceding posts all you need to do is to remove personal files from the laptop being used for work purposes.

 

[cypeq]

You do not want that. As much your boss probably can't just access your PC freely and browse contents, it can be done, one of the features is super user access to the endpoint (your PC via remote console shell).
It will potentially do many other things, like, encrypt drives, block certain applications, websites, force update, change windows policies, scan emails and a tone more.
Endpoint Protection has full control over the device (more than you do).
Ask them for personal license to bit defender solution, offers the same security for you whilst not submitting your PC to Central Control. If that's not acceptable just request a work device.

 

[silsurf]

Thank you for all the support, greatly appreciate and I now have a plan that I feel good about!!

 

[PEnns]

In addition to the above answers: You will be giving your boss (and his IT guys or whoever he wants...or whoever hacks their network!), full access and control over your computer.

That means they can monitor your business AND personal / social activities. They can install whatever software they want to monitor said activities. It may not happen but why take chances.

I honestly think, if you want to keep your job and your sanity, it's best to get another laptop and use either one exclusively for work / private life.

 

[realpao]

I think you should tell your boss to buy a work laptop for you if the laptop is yours.