Former Employee Shares Unusual Request from Employer: Laptop Password Six Months After Termination

In a peculiar turn of events, a Reddit user recently disclosed an unusual request from their former employer. Six months after being fired, the employer contacted the individual, requesting the laptop password for a factory reset to prepare the device for a new user.

Sharing a screenshot of the email on Reddit, the user revealed the employer’s unexpected request. 

Despite assuring confidentiality and stating that the password would solely be used for resetting the laptop, the request raised eyebrows.

The user humorously reflected on the situation, recalling their brief tenure at the company. Initially hired for a management position, the individual’s employment was abruptly terminated after just 30 days due to organizational issues. Notably, the user had highlighted illegal marketing practices and proposed solutions, leading to their dismissal.

The user’s post on Reddit garnered attention, prompting discussions about the employer’s actions and the ethical implications of such requests. 

Many users shared similar instances while others said that they would never be able to remember an old password after six months.

One user wrote, ”6 months? There is no way I’m remembering a password I haven’t been using frequently after 6 months, especially for a job I’d only held for 30 days. I wouldn’t be able to help them even if I wanted to.”

A few users thought something was amiss as any company’s IT department can easily handle the situation by performing a reset. 

Another wrote, ”I’m in IT and the one thing that gets drilled into us and users is to never share passwords. They don’t need your password to reset it, all they need to do is wipe the disk and re-image it with their company’s (or manufacturer’s) OS. Either this is a fishing attempt or you are dealing with idiots.”

Some other added, ”This is strange. Best case scenario, they are lying and need a file on your computer, in worst case they have been compromised and if you give this person your password they will try to use it to get into your accounts. Ignore this message and never give anyone your password for any reason.”

And one user responded, ”It’s a lie. It is quite easy and (a factory reset, or a simple wipe) IS the recommended way to reformat a computer when you can’t crack into it because you don’t have the password. They want instead to rifle through your files.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of workplace dynamics and the importance of transparency in professional relationships.