How to Keep Computer Privacy in a Cubicle

When working in an office full of cubicles, it's tough to maintain your privacy, particularly when everyone can hear and see practically everything you do. When you'd rather keep your activities on the computer to yourself, try these strategies to keep your co-workers' eyes off of your screen.

Instructions

1. Consider installing a product such as the 3m Privacy Filter on your monitor to prevent co-workers from seeing the screen clearly from a distance. Designed with "microlouver" technology, the product only allows the person sitting in front of the monitor to read it with ease.

2. Arrange your cubicle to position your monitor away from as many views as possible. You may not be able to rearrange a built-in desk, but you can put your computer on the side that will give you the most warning when someone approaches or that shields your monitor from the person with a cubicle directly across from yours.

3. Sign off your computer whenever you leave your cubicle, even if you're just heading to the restroom. Otherwise, it's far too easy for someone to peruse your open document, snoop around your computer desktop or even check your email while you're gone.

4. Keep a "dummy" document minimized on your screen if you're working on something private on your computer. As soon as you hear someone approaching, call up the minimized document to conceal what you were working on. Practice the motion a few times so it won't be obvious that you're scrambling to hide something.

5. Clean out your email inbox at the end of each day, placing correspondence that you want to keep or private messages from friends in password-protected folders. If someone is trying to determine what you're "up to," your inbox is the logical place to search for pertinent evidence.