Entry Six

How has cyber technology created opportunities for workplace deviance?

Workplace deviance in relation to cyber technology has become a more prominent issue since internet access became faster and more widely used in businesses. As businesses became more dependent on web-based practices, especially with the emergence of cloud technology, it has become difficult to limit employee access to unauthorized areas on the internet. Cyber technology in the workplace opens a world of temptation to employees. Many employees may not see any harm using their work computers to view their personal social media accounts while on break or forwarding a funny site using their work email. In reality, each of these acts places the company at risk of cyber attacks and costs the employer money in lost productivity by the employee. Recently, the explosion of smartphones and other smart devices has introduced yet another potential cyber risk to businesses. It has become increasingly difficult for companies to control what has access to the network as employees may figure out ways to work around security measures to save themselves data usage on their devices. 

Companies are now facing the question on how to best promote employee productivity while keeping morale at a desired level. Do you allow employees to connect their smartphone to your network so internet surfing is done on the device instead of the work computer? In this case, there is still a potential risk as the employer has no control over the device security or the use of that device. Employers must weigh the risks and benefits on each similar decision because it is not cost-effective to attempt to fully secure their cyber technology without restricting the use of both work and personal devices. No system can be fully protected unless that system is completely disconnected from everything else, which negates the idea of cyber technology in business. If possible, employee access to the internet should be monitored for misuse while using company devices or access the business network with personal devices. Employee morale and productivity may be positively influenced if a balance is created allowing for the short and occasional deviation from work related activities that are not threatening to the cybersecurity of the business.