If an employee is transferring data outside the workplace or is
downloading questionable material from the internet, there are a
number of concerns that arise. Even if the intent is innocent, the
risk for employers is real. Employers should monitor these
activities and implement appropriate company policies to address
this issue.
Typically, downloading occurs when data is transferred to a
disk, USB key or information is sent to the employee's personal
email address. Sometimes the downloading is innocent - the employee
is simply taking work home. The downloading may also be for an
improper purpose, such as a precursor to the employee departing.
Often downloading of information is the employer's confidential
business information. The information may have proprietary value
and may include items such as marketing plans, client lists,
financial data, pricing information, etc.
