“Forbidden” apps you may be able to use at work or school

Disclaimer: The tips below may cause you to lose your job. Use the information below at your own risk. I apologize for the nasty note at the beginning of this article, but you’ll understand why as you read through this. Also be sure to read the end for the safest method of accessing “forbidden” internet stuff while at work.

In today’s corporate and educational world, networks are locked down tight. Your job sucks and all you want to do is have an instant messenger running and/or check your webmail every so often, but can’t because it’s blocked. You may have even seen the dreaded WebSense “Sorry, you’re blocked” style message. It is very frustrating to deal with.

However there are a few apps out there that may be able to “bust the firewall,” as they say.

1. LogMeIn

LogMeIn allows you to remotely connect to your computer at home from a different location securely. It works completely in-browser. Sometimes this is all you need in order to get to the stuff you want to access, such as instant messengers, webmail and so on. Most corporate and educational LANs do allow access to this due to the fact other departments need it.

I have personally used LMI many times; it works flawlessly; I can say with absolute confirmation that you will not be exposing yourself to any threat whatsoever by using LMI.

An alternative to LogMeIn is GoToMyPC but it’s not free ($19.95 monthly.) There is a 30-day trial however. If LMI is not allowed on the LAN, GoToMyPC most likely will be and you can use the trial period to see if it works on remote or not.

2. Skype

Assuming you’re actually permitted to install it, if you run Skype it is programmed in such a way that even with the tightest of firewalls, it will still work.

You can read up on how Skype accomplishes this here:

http://www.h-online.com/security/How-Skype-Co-get-round-firewalls–/features/82481

If you’re not permitted to install Skype and the PC you’re using has a USB port that hasn’t been blocked off or disabled, use Portable Skype:

http://portableapps.com/node/246

3. Google Talk

Google Talk will usually work on a tightly-firewalled LAN for the same reason Skype will.

This software also has a portable version: http://portableapps.com/node/835

If all else fails, use your phone

Assuming where you work doesn’t have restrictions on that, when all else fails and what you want is simple access to browsing, instant messenger and webmail, use your cell phone.

Tip: Find somebody else that has a phone you would most likely use and ask them if their internet access actually works while in the office. You don’t want to push a bunch of money towards a fancy phone with ‘net access if it won’t work in its intended location.

What’s the safest way to access “forbidden” internet stuff at work?

Let’s say for the moment you have a really crappy office job and you’re looking for new work. As such you will have to check your personal email throughout the day and maybe place a phone call or two to gain better employment.

The absolute safest way to do this is with a smartphone that is internet-enabled, and only use it while on break in your car in the parking lot. This is probably the only place you can do it where you are not “under the eye” of security cameras, there is no boss looking over your shoulder and you will not be bothered by anybody else.

If you want to be even safer, drive off the property at lunchtime and do it that way.