As workplaces ban TikTok on devices, what does this mean for you?

If you’re a person who maintains strict separation of work and personal devices, such as your mobile phone or laptop, then you’re in a minority, it appears. According to a 2020 survey from antivirus firm Kaspersky, just 30% of participants said they’ve never used a work device for personal activities.

Another survey from antivirus company Malwarebytes found that 53% of respondents used work equipment for personal email, 38% shopped online, 25% accessed their social media, and 22% downloaded or installed non-company software.

Kaspersky’s research found that lines are blurred further, with many workers interchangeably using their work and personal tech for job-related tasks. Fifty-seven percent of respondents said they checked work email on their personal smartphone, and 36% did work on their personal laptop or desktop.

The picture is even more muddied: Another report from a cybersecurity provider found that 56% of workers actually use their personal computer as their work device. With concerns around data security and data theft, another study discovered that 86% of business executives believe remote workers increase a company’s chances for a data security breach.

With so much fluidity, it’s not hard to see how workers can so easily confuse the distinctions between their work tech and their own personal equipment.

Limit access

Many companies have policies and procedures in place to limit downloads, access to non-work-related web pages and social media, and many are even more security-conscious, installing security software that can freeze or brick a laptop if stolen. But plenty more companies don’t place any of these precautions in place.

Given the context, it’s not surprising to hear that the European Commission has banned its staff from using TikTok on work-issued devices. The ban will come into effect this month, affecting thousands of employees. Additionally, staff won’t be allowed to use the platform on personal devices which also contain work-related apps, such as email.

This echoes similar bans on the other side of the Atlantic. In late February, the White House told federal agencies that they will have 30 days to remove TikTok from all government-issued devices, and the picture is similar in Canada where regulators are investigating the platform’s privacy practices.

All have security concerns around privacy, what happens to data collected and the potential for threats, with the commission saying, “This measure aims to protect the commission against cybersecurity threats and actions which may be exploited for cyberattacks against the corporate environment of the commission”.

Workers can only expect similar security measures to become more common as the access control market grows. Its global value was $11.17 billion in 2020, and is projected to grow to $20.02 billion by 2027.

So, if you’re not happy with your workplace’s current or planned policies on technology––or other areas––then there are plenty of job openings to discover. Check it three below, or find many more on the Silicon Canals Job Board.

Senior Software Developer (f/m/d) Java, Bechtle GmbH & Co. KG Bonn/Cologne, Bonn

As Java Senior Software Developer, you’ll design and implement software solutions in the Java environment based on modern frameworks and technologies, using UML and domain-driven design for modelling. You will also support software solutions for bug fixing, optimization and monitoring and regularly evaluate new technologies and procedures in order to drive continuous improvement of development processes. To apply, you’ll need a completed degree in (business) informatics or comparable training in the IT field as well as five years’ of experience in the conception and development of multi-layered web applications in the Java environment. Apply for this role now.

Software Architect, LEDGER, Paris

Ledger is making the world of digital assets accessible and secure for everyone, and is now looking for a dynamic Software Architect to join its Engineering Architecture team. In this hands-on role, you’ll continuously collaborate with product managers, engineering leads, and leadership to improve products and processes, and drive the design excellence of B2C and B2B products. You will require proven experience in technical design, development, testing, and delivery experience, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Experience in hardware/firmware development, and knowledge of Electron/React and backend stacks (Python, Scala), plus an understanding of blockchain/cryptocurrency would be an asset. Get the full job description now.

Software Developer .NET (f/m/d), DPS Software GmbH, Leinfelden-Echterdingen

DPS has been an established solution provider since 1997, and supports customers’ core processes for all tasks and phases of the product life cycle. As a Software Developer .NET, tasks will include development of software in the .Net environment under Windows, analysis of customer requirements in the CAD, PDM and ERP environment, and creation of specifications with feasibility tests. You will require a qualification in computer science, technical computer science, mechanical engineering or a similar subject, as well as experience with the .NET framework (e.g. WPF, LINQ) and routine work at database level (Microsoft SQL Server) as well as knowledge in web development. Get more information here.

Discover thousands of opportunities on the Silicon Canals Job Board right now