View On PC/Browser (Windows / Mac / Chromebook)

If it is inappropriate in your work environment to install an app on your employer’s computer, why would it be appropriate for you to use your employer’s computer and your employer’s browser to sign into a personal Wyse website of yours to watch your personal home security cameras? This seems like an inherent contradiction. How would this be any different than using your employer’s computer and browser to sign onto and read your Facebook pages?

1 Like

Its quite simple. You’re prevented from installing ANY software not approved by the employer on their equipment even if using approved software (web browser) for personal use is allowed. No contradiction there that I can see.

4 Likes

Fwiw, no employer I’ve ever had allowed individuals to install any software, and I was in charge of IT at one company for about 5 yrs to help company during a transition. If I needed a certain software, autocad for example that was specifically for my job, I still had to clear it with the company president. If someone needed something like a full version of acrobat or photoshop for their job, I’d install it for them after they got mgmt approval. However, none of the companies I worked at were opposed to using the browser to check our personal email, order lunch, or check other personal stuff on our own time during breaks, lunch, etc.

5 Likes

Exactly. This is very common, perhaps the norm. Installing software is a VERY different kettle of fish. Usually there is a “reasonable personal use” standard for web access. (This is still very much monitorable by the company.) Some even approve access to Facebook (for some godforsaken reason). :wink:

4 Likes

Okay.
Point taken.
But food for thought:

Not new news, just a new article on something that’s been around for many years. I managed to retire back in '06 and we were ‘fighting those battles’ even before then. And, yes, remote access was fairly common even that far back into the ‘dark ages’. :wink:

2 Likes

There is a big difference between installing unauthorized software and using the software that is already installed on the computer.
I am allowed to use the browser for personal use including Facebook.

3 Likes

Well, we have that in common, my friend! :smiley:
In my case, on my 70th birthday in 2006.

One of the elements of Cybersecurity for any organization or company is Information Assurance. Protecting the raw and refined data of that organization. Protection includes from outside and inside bad actors. A good IA program limits users ability to install unauthorized/vetted software and maintaining the security updates on the authorized software, including that organizations browser. But just because a person is allowed/permitted to use the authorized browser, it does not include visiting every possible website on earth. Most organization subscribe to a service that provides a black list of restricted sites such as porn, hacker, dark web,and terrorist sites to name a few categories. Many folks don’t remember that many years ago for a brief time even sites such as FB were restricted by some gov’t and private companies because they didn’t want employees spending time visiting them. The gov’t and companies owned the resources and were entitled to restrict access - without explanation.

Are you explaining my employers restrictions to me? :slight_smile:

Yes, sites are restricted. We use McAfee.
We also agree to a TOS every month, I believe.

1 Like

Agree - but the key point is these restrictions are not universal. How many wyze customers work at highly restrictive companies vs smaller biz that isn’t as restrictive? It seems most of those clamoring for this are at jobs where browser usage is allowed because many have stated so. Meanwhile there’s over 4000 yea votes, and only a few who seem intent on trying to defend wyze dragging their feet on this improvement.

Fwiw, if we were to need a security monitoring system, besides having many other features lacking in the wyze system, we would require out of the box ability to view cams and maybe even sensor states on a PC, locally at a minimum. This house has an old system I abandoned since it only has a local VGA port or PC access via ethernet and only on IE, the company never developed any software upgrades. I considered a new server with WiFi, PC and mobile apps, but the cost is not worth it. But when I tested it out, it did show me the value of simultaneous multi cam monitoring on a decent size screen that I could view while working at my desk across the room.

1 Like

When my boss was laid off in ‘01, I was on my own for both IT/PC user support and my primary job of engineering for the on-going operations. Remote access was a huge benefit we started to use in the late 90s, but more so in ‘01, even though it was a rural location that only had 56k dialup at best. Didn’t get T1 until ‘03! Anyway, long story.,. but, ya, remote access has been around for a long time.

Retirement didn’t come until last year - great timing!

But I’m not clear on what this has to do with anything? Access from the workplace is only a very small part of all the use cases that better access to Wyzecams (browser, Windows, Mac, Linux, RTSP, DVR, Alexa, Apple, Google, etc.) can address.

1 Like

Sorry, it sounded like the argument was that it’s fine for wyze to give this low priority since, in general, employees are too restricted to access a browser. Maybe I replied to wrong post or I wasn’t more clear, I keep forgetting to quote the thing I’m replying to, will try to improve.

1 Like

I am searching to see if there is an update about being able to view Wyze cam on Chromebook. Any news?

Don’t know about you but for me it’s been the BJE (Best Job Ever). :laughing:

Too bad it also comes with the normal aches and pains of not being in your 20’s any more. :frowning_face:

1 Like

The fast lane of 56K… I remember dealing with telnet on a 1200 baud modem. :slight_smile:

3 Likes

Yeah, that was really painful, even when it was new ‘state of the art’. :frowning_face:

1 Like

Every couple of weeks someone will suggest Bluestacks like it’s an epiphany.

The work restriction argument was mainly a reason why these workarounds are not a solution to the problem.

2 Likes

After getting a 56k modem at home I was pumped, only to see it max out at 14 to 16k plus change. After checking all the in house wiring I called telco and convinced them to check our service - after checking, they did find noise on the old service line so ran a new line from pole to house and when it was still noisy. they replaced the card in refrigerator box a half mile down the road. Finally, we got high 40s to low 50s on a good day. Good ole days were definitely not so great when it came to remote access or internet service, especially in rural areas.