So my job’s telling me I’ll have to download an app on my phone to log into my work computer soon. Is this actually okay? Would it mean my phone becomes a ‘work phone’ and they can just take it if they want?
Nope, only calls are covered under federal law. Also, your employer can reimburse you with a tiny amount and still meet the law.
But why don’t you want to download the app?
Keats said:
Nope, only calls are covered under federal law. Also, your employer can reimburse you with a tiny amount and still meet the law.
But why don’t you want to download the app?
I just don’t want them to have any access to my personal stuff on my phone. Even if they say they can’t, there’s usually ways around it.
Ask for a company phone if you’re worried about privacy. If they say no, maybe consider buying a cheap phone just for work stuff. Lots of people do this now. It’s totally fine to keep work and personal stuff separate.
At my job, some folks just said they didn’t have a smartphone, so they got these little key fobs instead. I don’t really know how it worked, though.
I’d suggest grabbing the cheapest smartphone you can find at a big-box store (some are around $30) and using that. You don’t even need a data plan; just keep it on Wi-Fi. For safety, maybe create a separate Google account for downloading the app or any work stuff.
Or, if you really don’t want a smartphone, maybe get a basic phone and ask your employer for another way to log in, since you wouldn’t be able to download any apps on it.
Using a 2FA app is pretty standard now. Almost every company does this. You could ask them for a company phone if you don’t want to use your own.
Is there a way to access the app on a desktop instead of using your phone?
Abi said:
Is there a way to access the app on a desktop instead of using your phone?
Not that I know of.
Abi said:
Is there a way to access the app on a desktop instead of using your phone?
Not that I know of.
Maybe check with your employer or the software provider? There might be an option with fewer features if the phone app doesn’t work or if you can’t use it.
@Abi
I’ll ask, but what if they say there’s no other option? How do I handle it if I just don’t want them to have access to my phone?
Ashton said:
@Abi
I’ll ask, but what if they say there’s no other option? How do I handle it if I just don’t want them to have access to my phone?
Actually, they said they can just send me a text code instead.
My worry is that downloading the app lets them into my personal phone, where I have a lot of private stuff. If I use it for work, do they have the right to look through it or even take it if they wanted?
@Ashton
I totally get your concerns. I don’t trust any app not to sneak into my private stuff or even turn on the mic to listen in. So, when my job asked me to do this, I got a cheap separate phone just for that app. If they really need 2FA, they can pay for it, or you should be able to invoice them. Also, I don’t let my work phone use any company Wi-Fi.
It’s all about keeping your privacy intact.
@Ashton
Nope, it’s still your personal phone. They can’t take it or demand to see what’s on it.
The app would only be able to see basic info like your location (just to confirm it’s you, not someone else) but nothing like texts, pictures, or contacts. But if you’re still worried, ask them if they can provide a company phone or even cover the cost of a second phone line.
They can’t actually force you, but they might decide to let you go if you refuse.
It doesn’t make your phone a ‘work phone,’ but some people argue you could get reimbursed for data or tracking costs. I don’t really see it that way myself.