Can the IT Dept at work view my Hotmail?

[SurreyGuy]

I was told ages ago that Hotmail is secure from prying IT Dept eyes (at work) coz it's "web-based" - is that true?

T.I.A.

[chazza]

Yes. I work in IT and every website you visit can be seen

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks

[Wolfeymole]

The mail might be but the fact that your logging on to Hotmail can be noted by the Admin Dept.
If they decide to lock access to Hotmail, which they can at the touch of a button, you won't see them till you get home plus you may get reprimanded as using web based email may be against company policy.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks.

So, as my Hotmail account is user name and password protected, they can't actually read the mails I send/receive?

[Wolfeymole]

Well unless they have installed key logging software you should be ok but don't bank on it.
Key logging software as the very name dictates will allow others to see each individual key press so when you think your safe because the password is starred out forget it.

[Paulst30]

Your IT Department can block your hotmail website from contacting its server to retrieve your e-mail. In order to read your mail they would have to obtain the cookie that is stored on the client machine in order to retrieve the username and password.

Plus they have no right to access it either especially if your contract states that you are allowed to use the internet for personal use on your lunch break. read the companies electronic media policy.

I worked in the Department of Work and Pensions for 5 years and they tried that one on me. I brought their own EULA to task where it stated i could use the internet as much as i wanted for email as long as it was out of work time.

just dont get caught doing it cause it gets messy.

just another example of big brother spying on us. I'm in a horid mood today take no notice of me

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks all.

I'm gonna restrict my use to pre-work, lunchtime and post-work - that way I don't have to worry!

[abranei]

To expand on Paulst30 comment about having no right it would be illegal for them to capture your username and password with the intend to access your email account.

Google "Computers Misuse Act"

To put this into perpective companies are really only interested in protecting themselves against employees abusing the internet taking up resources. No different to making sure people dont dip into the cash register and take some �20 notes out.

[abranei]

Just to clarify - The email account I'm talking about is your personal hotmail account you work given email account is different and like Pauls said it can get messy

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks abranei - I, too, was referring to my personal hotmail account which I access via www.msn.com