How do we monitor contractors' laptops on our network?
Mostly by controlling where they can connect, and then watching what they do there. Contractors usually bring their own laptops, which you do not manage and cannot inspect. Give them a separate network or VLAN with access only to the systems their project needs, time-limited accounts with multi-factor authentication, and a contract clause on security and incident notice. Then monitor that segment. On every plan, NetSenX lists the devices seen there, with the name each announces and when it was first and last seen, and raises alerts if a contractor's laptop scans the network, keeps contacting an unknown outside server or connects to internal machines outside its usual pattern. It does not see inside the laptop or inside encrypted sessions. Tell contractors what is monitored, as you would tell employees.
General information, not legal advice. National laws can add to the EU texts quoted here, for example deadlines, forms or reporting channels: check your own country's rules.
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