A question about surfing the web at work

[Red]

I can't surf the web at work on my work pc because they monitor everything. 

I was wondering if I could use the Wi-Fi on my iPod Touch touch to surf the web on the company wireless (It's secure, so I'd need to enter a login and pass) without them seeing what I'm doing, is this possible?  Or will they somehow know I'm surfing since I'm on their wireless signal?  Thanks.

Red

[ahofle]

Chances are if you enter your login/pwd to access a wireless network, your usage can be monitored and or tracked. 

The best way to do what you want is with an SSL proxy.

[Ginsu Victim]

I'm not even going to get into this one. Say you do it, there would still be a history, and most companies require you to keep the history and cache.

You go clearing it, and you'll set off red flags that'll have them questioning your actions. Tell them you're online using your phone to get around their security, and you'll be looking for applications in no time.

[shardian]

Are there any other open wireless gateways available that you can piggyback occasionally? Sure its illegal (which is retarded), but it is an option.

If the wireless is secure, then they know who you are by your login info.

Put a cantenna in your office and a wireless card in your pc. 

[shardian]

Of course, there is always this:
http://www.the-cloak.com/anonymous-surfing-home.html

I would think it would set off red flags though in a closely monitored work server.

[Red]

Thanks guys.  No open network signals around to piggyback  

If the login and pass for the wireless network is a generic one, the same for everyone like at those free Wi-Fi spots, could they still track me down then?

I think our lobby has this kind of access because I always see people using their wireless devices, but never gave it a thought until our company just started cracking down on us.

I'd like to be able to check my email and BYOAC etc... while on my lunch hour.  

Thanks again.

Red

[saint]

So, here's a question.

Why would you jeopardize your job trying to get around their policies? If I found someone bypassing the policies/procedures I'd put in place, regardless of how they were doing it, I'd fire them. If their job isn't important enough to them to adhere to the policies and procedures of the place, then we'll find someone who will value the job.

My 2 bits.

--- saint

[ahofle]

One idea that I've considered ripping off but never done was to set up some kind of gateway proxy under a fairly benign URL.  Have it look innocent and swipe content from the AP or something, but have a login that lets you get to the fun stuff.

You mean like an SSL proxy?  LOL
https://calomel.org/firefox_ssh_proxy.html

[Dartful Dodger]

If their job isn't important enough to them to adhere to the policies and procedures of the place

It isn't, but it is important enough to try and find a way around them.

There's a difference.

... then we'll find someone who will value the job.

Good luck with that.

Someone who values the place will most likely be someone who the place won't value.

[NiN^_^NiN]

There was an article recently about the new generation quitting jobs if their bosses banned net use when they can't get onto myspace/facebook it's becoming a problem and most places are having to allow net access or unblock thoese sites.

[Jdurg]

My work has a "don't abuse it" type policy.  You can surf the web (as I'm doing now) but there are some sites that they have blocked and will not allow access to for security reasons and whatnot.  If you try to go there, a screen comes up saying "NO".  (Not literally, but to that effect).  They aren't trying to completely stop it since that's just not really feasible in a company this size, but they do ensure security and protection and won't allow anything to run or install.

[CCM]

Thanks guys.  No open network signals around to piggyback 

If the login and pass for the wireless network is a generic one, the same for everyone like at those free Wi-Fi spots, could they still track me down then?

I think our lobby has this kind of access because I always see people using their wireless devices, but never gave it a thought until our company just started cracking down on us.

I'd like to be able to check my email and BYOAC etc... while on my lunch hour. 

Thanks again.

Red

I have to agree with Saint, why risk your job to check email and surf BYOAC!?  That's nuts!  If your employer's policies are that strict you are out of luck.   Have you tried approaching your employer about internet usage during lunch hours?  Maybe that would be a better approach instead of doing something that may get you fired.

If you're on your lunch, go to Starbucks, Panera, or any number of other places that offer free wireless.

[DaveMMR]

I actually was fired from my last job, for five minutes, when they accused me of going around the web blocker they had in place.  I was then "unfired" when I more or less proved to them I wasn't able to access the internet and explained all that "suspicious activity" they accused me of (e.g. - they accused me of writing emails all day, I showed them that the long letter I was writing was actually work-related instructions to a co-worker).  Heh, the best part of that whole experience was that my manager got yelled at by her boss for going off half-cocked with no evidence against me except for some "tip" given to her by someone who saw me as a threat.

Honestly, I hated that job but I still went through the trouble of reversing my termination.  Not only is it a blow to the ego, but being fired for disobeying rules never looks good.  I quit and got a better job with a company that has more respect for their employees.   And that's my point, it's probably better to find a new job that eases up a bit on suffocating restrictions than to try to be rebellious. 

[CheffoJeffo]

I'm with saint ... and while some may think that means I support a totalitarian net usage policy, it doesn't.

The relevant point is that it IS the company's pipe and if you want to use it, then you follow their rules.

Don't like the rules ? No problem --  find an employer with more generous usage terms or get yourself a mobile broadband card and deal with it on your own dime.

One thing the OP didn't mention is what the company's policy is -- all he said is that they monitor everything (which they bloody well should in any event).

I would want some more details regarding acceptable usage before I started talking about circumvention.