A Helsinki professional witnessed confidential company meetings broadcast in public spaces. Maija Ahonen heard sensitive business discussions while working from a cafe.
She observed a coworker participating in an internal meeting without headphones. Twenty cafe customers unintentionally learned about the company's budget plans and security training.
Ahonen works as a fraud prevention specialist at OP Financial Group. She understands information security risks firsthand.
Should she have told the person to find a private space? Ahonen tried communicating through eye contact instead since the person had their camera active.
The meeting participant likely forgot their headphones, she speculated. They probably felt unable to tell colleagues they were in an unsuitable location.
Similar security negligence occurs on Finnish trains too. People work on laptops without privacy screens in train carriages.
They join video calls and handle confidential information in public view. Some might be showcasing their professional status through this behavior.
Working outside home or office can feel refreshing. Ahonen completely understands wanting to work from cafes occasionally.
But Helsinki cafes don't offer much space between tables. People sit very close together there.
Work tasks should match the environment, Ahonen suggests. During meetings, one can simply state they cannot discuss internal matters at that moment.
Remote work security breaches are becoming common as hybrid work continues. Many professionals underestimate public space risks when handling company information.