How has Cyber Technology created opportunities for workplace deviance?

Cyber technology has improved the efficiency of jobs everywhere. Many processes are now fully automated or require less manual labor, leading to faster completion times and more accuracy. These advantages can also be utilized by employees for nefarious reasons. For example, a highly skilled accountant can use access to client or company account information to embezzle funds while using technology to hide the paper trail. Disgruntled employees can use their credentials or obtain the necessary credentials to delay operations, steal sensitive data, sell proprietary information to competitors, or destroy system files.

In addition to deviance against companies, workplace deviance can be committed against individuals. Servers in restaurants and retail staff have been found using card skimmers to steal bank card information from customers. Employees may use contact information from personnel files to harass or stalk co-workers online and in person. Stock traders can use leaked information to manipulate share performance or set up insider trading deals to generate commission.

The ease of technology has made it more tempting to engage in workplace deviance, as more people believe they can get away with it. The right software and skillset could enable an offender to remain anonymous or undetected as they steal, harass, or sabotage for personal gain.