Workplace uses IP addresses to determine the location of your devices. This isn’t an exact science and can routinely report activity that doesn’t match up with your physical location.
Here are the most common reasons that your location could be shown inaccurately:
- Old Router in a New Location
- Device Reports Previous Location
- Mobile Data Access Point Is Far Away
- VPNs Send Locations from the Access Network
Old Router in a New Location
A number of organizations map out internet topology periodically (think: the digital version of drawing physical geographic locations). So, if you recently moved from Washington D.C. and brought an old router to New York City, until the mapping updates at your new location, your IP may still say you’re in Washington D.C.
Device Reports Previous Location
If your device signed out or timed out, Workplace may display the last known location as the current location. Your computer most likely remembered the last location when it was shut off, or was put to sleep.
Mobile Data Access Point Is Far Away
If you’re relying on a cellular internet connection, your IP address can often change since it is based on the access point for the cell tower you are connect to. This can create erratic location readings that don’t reflect where you actually are.
Furthermore, the actual access point to the internet may also be far away from the cell tower that your phone is connecting to, which may at times put you a city, or even a state over.
VPNs Send Locations from the Access Network
A Virtual Private Network or a Trusted Proxy protects your privacy by showing the world you're in a different location than in reality. If you’re connecting through them, your location will most likely now change, and only report from the spot that the physical network is located in.
Because of these factors, it’s important to look at other factors, such as the device, type of activity, time, etc., to verify that the access was legit. If a location and device are unfamiliar to you, it’s a good indicator that something fishy is going on. If that is the case, contact support right away.