How has cyber technology created opportunities for workplace deviance?

Cyber technology has created many opportunities for workplace deviance. A few examples are

Unauthorized Access: Thanks to advances in cyber technology, it is now easier for employees to get unauthorized access to private data. These can include trade secrets, customer information, medical history and financial records. Employees with access to this data have the potential to copy or leak it to third party or external parties, or they could use their computer skills to access data they are not supposed to see. With this sensitive data, employees can use it as leverage or blackmail to other employees. They could also sell that data for profit and leave the company. The company they work for and its stakeholders can have negative affects like defamation and mistrust from the public.

Cyberbullying: Thanks to technology, employees now find it simpler to engage in cyberbullying at work. This includes spreading rumors, posting rude or false comments on social media sites, and sending harassing messages. Many times cyberbullying is against a company’s policy and needs to be taken up with human relations which causes decreased productivity, focusing on internal problems instead of actual work. Cyberbullying in the workplace can lower productivity, morale, and job satisfaction. Not only does it have an effect in the workplace, it can affect other employees directly. The consequences of cyberbullying can be decreased self esteem, poor mental health and feeling isolated due to harassment online.

Theft and Sabotage: The easiness in how digital information can be copied and shared has made it possible for employees to steal intellectual property. Employees can steal trade secrets, software, or designs, hurting the organization’s ability to perform and lose a competitive advantage. Employees now have the chance to commit acts of cyber-sabotage like deleting files, spreading viruses, or causing computer systems harm. These actions can cause significant disruption to a company’s operations and output which can lead to financial losses.