Expert: Dan Pepper - 3/31/2009

Question
I resigned from a company few days back and returned all their assets including their laptop. I was not told or instructed to reset or clear my windows password. The management is asking me for the windows password. My only concern is I have used this password in many places, more over ,my other passwords are of the same pattern so I am very concerned to share.  Do I have to send them the password? I am not close by to go to their office. I believe there are several ways they can reuse the laptop. I have provided them the boot password. As per the management if I dont provide them the password they would delay my settlement amount.

Answer
Niru,

To a certain extent, the answer will depend upon your (and your ex-employer's) state of residence's privacy laws.  However, in general, an employer not only owns company-owned laptops, but any of the data contained in it.  An employer has the right to gain access to the laptop to retrieve or review any data on that laptop, so obtaining the password from you is a reasonable request.  If this concerns you, your best bet is to change your password in the other places you use it.