Australians who are working from home are warned that it’s very likely they’re being watched, with new research finding that most companies have installed spyware on devices to keep an eye on employees.
While millions relish a better work-life balance – with less commuting, lower childcare costs and more time for family – surveillance software sales have skyrocketed.
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“Recent research indicated that up to 80 per cent of organisations around the world have put what they call spyware or ‘tattleware’ on their equipment – and in Australia, it’s more like 90 per cent,” Swinburne University Professor Peter Holland said.
On company-supplied computers, employers can monitor keyboard use, mouse movements and use location tracking software.
“They can open up your security camera or WiFi camera and can use your phone’s GPS to see where you are or key loggers to see what you’ve been typing,” Gadget Guy’s Val Quinn told 7NEWS.
On company-supplied computers, employers can monitor keyboard use, mouse movements and use location tracking software. File. Credit: Poike/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Spyware is marketed as a measure of productivity and efficiency, but workers are concerned about a loss of privacy.
“There was an increased sense that you were being watched all the time and I think people found that quite stressful,” Holland said, “there are different laws in different states with regards to how much you can do.”
While workers have found creative ways to fool the boss, smart technology is getting more sophisticated and workers are urged to use private devices for private matters.
“Pretty much behave like you are being watched,” Quinn said.