To what degree is internet activity accessible/retrievable by an employer?

Question

This one's for all the network and computer gurus.

Nowadays it seems every employer has its employees sign a document acknowledging that NONE of the employee's internet activity and internet communications over the company's network are private. We all know that employers can track which websites are visited by its employees, but I've always wondered...

If an employee goes to hotmail.com or gmail.com and logs into their personal e-mail account, can the employer (through its IT/Network Admin) access/retrieve the following:
(A) the password the employee typed to access their email;
(B) the contents of an email the employee sends from their hotmail or gmail account to another hotmail or gmail user;
(C) the content of an email that is in the employee's hotmail or gmail "inbox," and is opened while on the employer's network;
(D) the content of an email that is in the employee's hotmail or gmail "inbox," but is and was NEVER opened while on the employer's network.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Well depends, if they have a good IT admin they can montior everything you do and yes they can monitor inputs! With the correct software they can replay your screen and all that you did all day on it. SO just use the machine for business!

If you don't belive that check the article from
http://consumerist.com/consumer/investigations/video-consumerist-catches-geek-squad-stealing-porn-from-customers-computer-271963.php

Although not an office it will give you insight as to what CAN BE MONITORED.

Answer 2

Unless your System Admin. has installed a key logger - it is not likely that your password would be retrieved. Unless, of course, you have 'told' your computer to save the password.

Most schools and workplaces forbid employees or students form accessing their personal email accounts - for a very good reason - viruses! A Admin's #1 priority is the integrity of the network.

Is your activity on the Internet logged? Very likely.
Is it worth getting fired over?

Answer 3

If the employer has keystroke loggers they could catch the password, and messages that you send out, but that might get them into trouble due to invasion of privacy. They could also randomly pick an employees computer and look at your screen while you are using the pc, and they could also check the history of the sites you visited to tell if you were using the pc for personal things.

Answer 4

They can retrieve any information they want. They record your keystrokes so they know what you type. They only know what sites you visit and what you type. They will not know the contents of a email you read, only if you responded. Some companies even take a snapshot of your screen, so watch out. Remember...everything you do on work computers are not private.

Answer 5

Well, if you use the back button, it could still be there. Don't use the internet at work because they can retrieve everything you do. Anything you do at work is there business and could be used against you.