Can someone remotely connect and spy on me without my knowledge?

  • Thread starter Thread starter hank755_ca
  • Start date Start date
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hank755_ca

Hello,

Is it possible to remotey connect to a computer and spy on what the
user is doing on that computer? At work, I find that at times my
computer freezes for a split second and my desktop backgrouind changes.
I do not have VNC running. Could the administrator be spying on me?

Thanks in advance
 
Is it possible to remotey connect to a computer and spy on what the
user is doing on that computer? At work, I find that at times my
computer freezes for a split second and my desktop backgrouind changes.
I do not have VNC running. Could the administrator be spying on me?
Click to expand...

Spying? No, just monitoring.
 
Spying? No, just monitoring.
Click to expand...
If they change your background, I would consider that a subtle
Courtesy notification that you are being observed (the right of a
employer to do if the equipment is the employers). Sort like clearing
ones throat when you walk up behind someone <g>.

I would ask the IT manager (in writing) if the company has a
'authorised' monitor program in place. It may be 'unauthorized :/
and they meay help delouse your system.
 
If they change your background, I would consider that a subtle
Courtesy notification that you are being observed (the right of a
employer to do if the equipment is the employers). Sort like clearing
ones throat when you walk up behind someone <g>.

I would ask the IT manager (in writing) if the company has a
'authorised' monitor program in place. It may be 'unauthorized :/
and they meay help delouse your system.
Click to expand...

Employer will be delighted to see your letter. Make sure you speak to your
lawyer first to have all bases covered.
 
Employer will be delighted to see your letter. Make sure you speak to your
lawyer first to have all bases covered.
Click to expand...
Depends on which country.
The US courts have ruled the employer must inform the employee (once
is sufficient) that COMPANY computer/network use is "subject to
monitoring.".

I have initialed this notice twice as "terms of employment". To my
knowledge they never actually monitored my use, only reserved their
"Right" to do so.
 
Thanks for the legal advice, Most interesting!

But how can I check if my computer is being monitored? Is there
something on my computer that I can check?
 
Thanks for the legal advice, Most interesting!

But how can I check if my computer is being monitored? Is there
something on my computer that I can check?
Click to expand...
Run a Spy ware detection program like Spybot, Adaware.
Examine all processes, determine which are not Normal for your
environment (configuration). You can Google each process name and read
what it does and what normally needs this.
Consult legal advice before tampering with employer installed
monitoring (either way. If you HAVE NOT been notified, it is against
some laws. If you HAVE been notified, it may be grounds for dismissal
for CAUSE if you tamper with it).
 
yeh, almost all companies with an i.t. guy will monitor their employees.
most members of management get board with the daily mundane of doing business
and rely on extra curricular activities like employee monitoring. the i.t.
guy can log into your desktop on his computer and see everything that you are
doing. seein a flicker here and there is something to notice. but when the
i.t. accidently moves his mouse, your pointer will move on your desktop as
well. irregardless of how you may feel about employer monitoring; when it
comes to you using their equipment for purposes other than business, they
will have the law on thier side. i suggest to pretend that you are not aware
of the monitoring and make a lot of emails commending your bosses, making
positive statements, etc..... if they are going to see what you are doing
it may as well get you a promotion rather than a possible dismissal.
 
oh, don't forget to brown nose the i.t. guy too.... when the i.t. guy is out
to lunch, your chances of accessing your webmail privately are greatly
increased...
 
Thanks for the legal advice, Most interesting!

But how can I check if my computer is being monitored? Is there
something on my computer that I can check?
Click to expand...

If you have access to these commands, open a CMD prompt and in there
type NetStat. If you see "compuername:5900" under the local address
field then you are likely being monitored via VNC. Showing 3389 may
indicate someone shadowing your session via RDP, and 2702 is likely
remote control from SMS.

This method isn't full proof, but it'll work most of the time.
Clay Calvert
(e-mail address removed)
Replace "Z" with "L"
 
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