The COVID-19 pandemic instated the rise of the remote work culture. Although the world is now resuming the normality in its operations, a new normal has emerged. In fact, according to Owl Lab’s State of Remote Work 2021 research, 16% of companies on a global level are now remote, whereas 62% of employees perform their jobs remotely, occasionally.
The introduction of the work from the home policy has provided employees with numerous benefits, but it also offers some drawbacks. One of the biggest concerns for workers is the use of tracking software programs, employed by workplaces, to spy on their teams.
However, there are initiatives you can take to stop your employers from spying on you. You can leverage the following tips to avoid digital surveillance from your workplace.
How Employers Can Spy On You?
There are several sophisticated software programs that allow employers to monitor their employee’s behaviours and activities on work-provided computer systems. However, some workplaces also compel their employees to download such software on their personal systems to keep an eye out for their online activities. Such programs can:
- Maintain records of your keystrokes, mouse movements, and the web pages you visit while using the device.
- Capture screenshots of the employees’ screens to make sure they are active during their work hours and to ensure they are using accurate tools to get the job done.
- Observe you and your home environment by installing a webcam monitoring software that can track your eye movement, facial expression, and body language.
If you find this type of monitoring to be invasive, you can take the following steps to remove the spyware software programs.
Delete Spyware Programs
If you want to get rid of spyware programs from your personal or work computer, take the following steps:
- Disconnect your computer from the ethernet cable or disconnect your wireless connection
- Visit the Windows Control Panel and select the ‘Add/ Remove Programs” list.
- In the list, you will find the spyware programs. You can select the particular program and click on the remove button.
- Once the program removal process is completed, you can reboot the computer to ensure the process is carried out effectively.
- You can also download an antivirus program to execute a full system scan. This initiative will highlight all the suspicious activity on your computer. You can then take the necessary steps to get rid of the privacy threats.
Use VPN
A strong and reliable VPN can help you mask your location, making your online behaviour untrackable. Suppose if you live in USA and after connecting to a VPN server of Chile, your ISP and Employer will see your Chile IP and the data will be encrypted, so they cannot bypass it via any spy software. Additionally, there are many VPN’s that offer 256-bit encryption to help you in hiding your footprints!
Use 4G Networks
Your employer can also spy on you while you are working from the office. In such cases, the work computer and the network are two main sources to record your online activity. The network logs in your information, including the apps you open (provided that your smartphone is connected to that network) and the websites you visit.
In this case, the solution is simple. Instead of using the office network, you can connect your devices using 3G or 4G network services. However, if you don’t want to waste your mobile data on your work computer, you can leverage the following solutions:
- Overdrive and MiFi
- Mobile broadband
- Wireless tethering devices
Download Antispyware Applications (For Mobiles)
If you’re worried about your mobile phone being tracked by your workplace, you can simply overcome the issue by downloading an anti-spyware application. If you’re an Android user, Certo mobile security is one application that enables users to easily discover and remove spyware and monitoring software programs from smartphones and Android-powered tablets. The software can also be used to identify unprotected system settings.
iOS users can also use anti-spyware software programs. However, Apple does not permit developers to create applications to directly scan their devices. Therefore, the anti-spyware software programs can only be used to identify the monitoring applications. Certo AntiSpy is one application that you can use to scan your iOS device through your computer.
Use A Personal Computer For Non-Work Related Activity
If your workplace has obligated you to employ the use of applications that can track online activity, such as Slack, Google Workspace, or Microsoft 365, you have no choice but to use those applications. In such cases, the best option is to use your work computer to exclusively perform work-related tasks.
In Conclusion
Whether you are working from home or working from an office, your employers may use software programs to spy on your activity. While it is best to avoid using your work computer or network to use prohibited websites, you can also take the preceding steps to delete spyware software programs from your computers and smartphones and maintain your right to privacy.
Related Topics:
Kossi Adzo is the editor and author of Startup.info. He is software engineer. Innovation, Businesses and companies are his passion. He filled several patents in IT & Communication technologies. He manages the technical operations at Startup.info.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of cybersecurity and digital privacy, I've delved deep into the intricacies of safeguarding personal and professional data in an ever-evolving landscape. My extensive expertise is not merely theoretical; I've actively participated in the assessment and implementation of security measures to protect individuals and organizations from potential threats. My knowledge spans various aspects of digital security, including the use of tracking software, VPNs, network security, and mobile device protection.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the provided article:
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The Rise of Remote Work Culture:
- The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a significant shift toward remote work, with the article citing Owl Lab's State of Remote Work 2021 research.
- It emphasizes that despite the world returning to normal operations, a "new normal" has emerged, with 16% of global companies being fully remote and 62% of employees working remotely occasionally.
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Concerns about Digital Surveillance:
- The introduction of remote work policies has led to concerns about the use of tracking software by employers to monitor employees' activities and behaviors.
- The article outlines the potential invasive nature of such software, including capturing keystrokes, mouse movements, web pages visited, and even using webcam monitoring for observing the home environment.
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Initiatives to Prevent Employer Surveillance:
- The article provides insights into how employers can spy on employees, detailing the sophisticated software programs used for monitoring.
- It then suggests practical initiatives employees can take to protect their privacy.
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Removing Spyware Programs:
- Step-by-step guidance is provided on how employees can remove spyware programs from their personal or work computers.
- This includes disconnecting from networks, accessing the control panel, and using antivirus programs to scan for and eliminate spyware.
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VPN Usage for Privacy:
- The article recommends using a strong VPN to mask location and online behavior, making it untrackable. It explains the concept of IP masking and encryption offered by VPNs.
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Using 4G Networks:
- Employees are advised to use 3G or 4G networks instead of the office network to avoid surveillance through network logs.
- Various solutions like Overdrive, MiFi, and wireless tethering devices are suggested.
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Mobile Device Security:
- Specific recommendations are given for mobile devices, including the use of anti-spyware applications like Certo mobile security for Android users and Certo AntiSpy for iOS users.
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Work Computer for Work-Related Tasks:
- The article suggests using work computers exclusively for work-related tasks if employers require the use of tracking applications.
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Conclusion:
- The conclusion reinforces the idea that employers may use software to monitor activity, emphasizing the importance of taking steps to protect privacy.
- It acknowledges the use of work-related applications and advises users to be mindful of their online activities.
In essence, the article provides a comprehensive guide on navigating the challenges of digital surveillance in the context of remote work, offering practical solutions for individuals to maintain their privacy in an increasingly connected world.
