10 obvious signs that your boss is secretly monitoring your computer remotely

In the modern workplace, the intersection of technology and employee monitoring is both a practical reality and a potential ethical dilemma. As businesses increasingly rely on digital tools and remote working setups, the ability to monitor employee activities remotely has become more feasible and, in some cases, more aggressively pursued. While monitoring can be justified by various legitimate business interests, including safeguarding intellectual property, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and enhancing productivity, it also poses significant privacy concerns. Below are 10 signs you’re being monitored.

1. Unusual Software Installations

Remote monitoring often hinges on the use of specialized software designed for surveillance. This can include commercial remote access tools like TeamViewer and LogMeIn, or more discreet monitoring software capable of tracking keystrokes, screen activity, and even webcam access. Employers might argue the necessity of such tools for IT support, but their capability for detailed tracking extends beyond troubleshooting technical issues.

How to Check for Unusual Installations:

• Regular Audits: Make it a habit to check your installed applications list in the Control Panel or System Settings every week. Look for any new software installations that you didn’t authorize.
• Inquire with IT: If you find unfamiliar software, reach out to your IT department for clarification. Sometimes, software updates are rolled out company-wide without direct notification.
• Use Security Tools: Employ tools like Malwarebytes to scan for spyware or any unauthorized software that could indicate monitoring.

2. Cursor Movements and Unprompted Actions

If your mouse cursor starts moving independently, or if applications and files open and close without your intervention, it’s a strong indication of remote control. This might be experienced during remote IT support sessions, but if it happens without prior notification or consent, it raises immediate red flags. Such control is not just monitoring—it’s active manipulation of your workstation, which is generally not necessary for most administrative or support tasks.

Preventing Unauthorized Access:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This can prevent unauthorized logins and access to your system.
• Log Out of Sessions: Always log out when leaving your workstation to minimize the risk of remote access while you’re away.
• Check Activity Logs: Regularly review your system’s activity logs to identify any unauthorized access attempts.

3. Background Noise or Delays During Phone Calls

Audio glitches in VoIP applications like Skype, Teams, or Zoom might be signs of interception. Advanced surveillance setups can include the capability to record or listen in on calls. Echoes or unusual delays could suggest that your audio is being processed through an additional layer—likely recording software—before reaching its intended recipient. Persistent issues of this nature, especially if not linked to known poor connectivity or other technical issues, warrant further investigation.

Troubleshooting Audio Issues:

• Network Diagnostics: Conduct a network diagnostics test to ensure that your internet connection isn’t the source of the problem.
• Use Encrypted Communication Tools: Opt for communication tools that offer end-to-end encryption to safeguard against unauthorized listening.
• Consult with IT: If issues persist, consult with IT to rule out technical problems and ensure your system is secure.

4. Consistent Patterns of Behavioural Feedback

When your boss or other supervisors make comments or ask questions about your browsing habits, application usage, or even specific keystrokes, it suggests the presence of detailed monitoring. Such surveillance can capture everything from the websites you visit to the messages you type. The specificity of feedback on your activities that aren’t visible or noticeable through casual observation can be a telling sign of background monitoring tools at work.

Handling Feedback and Privacy Concerns:

• Clarify Monitoring Policies: Request a copy of the company’s monitoring policies to understand what is considered acceptable.
• Open Dialogue: Have an open conversation with your supervisor about the feedback received and express any privacy concerns.
• Document Interactions: Keep a record of any feedback related to your computer activity and seek clarification if necessary.

5. Changes in Network Settings or Unexplained Network Activity

Monitoring software often requires significant data transmission between the monitored device and a controlling server. This might manifest as new, unfamiliar network connections in your settings, or unexplained increases in network activity when you’re not actively using your internet connection. Tools like Wireshark can help track down what data is being sent and to which addresses, which might help identify unauthorized surveillance transmissions.

Monitoring Your Network:

• Network Monitoring Tools: Use tools like GlassWire to monitor your network traffic and identify any suspicious activity.
• Secure Connections: Ensure that your Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password and WPA3 encryption.
• VPN Usage: Use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and add an extra layer of security against unauthorized monitoring.

6. Performance Issues and Slowdowns

Monitoring software, especially when poorly implemented, can drain system resources. A suddenly sluggish system or inexplicable CPU spikes can indicate hidden processes. Monitoring software might not only be active in recording but also in real-time data transmission, which intensively uses CPU and network resources. Regular monitoring of your system’s performance metrics can help spot anomalies that suggest background activities.

Optimizing System Performance:

• Task Manager: Regularly check your Task Manager for unfamiliar processes consuming high resources.
• System Updates: Ensure that your system and all software are up to date to mitigate vulnerabilities that could be exploited for monitoring.
• Resource Management Tools: Employ tools like CCleaner to clean unnecessary files and optimize system performance.

7. Strange Files in System Directories

Unusual files appearing in system directories or strange logs that don’t correlate with known user activities can be alarming. These files might be logs saved by monitoring software, containing records of user activity designed to be read remotely by an administrator. Becoming familiar with the typical contents of your system directories can help you spot these intrusions.

Detecting Unusual Files:

• File Integrity Monitoring: Use software that checks the integrity of files and notifies you of any changes.
• Regular Checks: Periodically inspect system directories like Program Files and AppData for any unfamiliar files.
• Consult IT: If you find suspicious files, consult IT to verify their legitimacy and purpose.

8. Security and Privacy Settings Reconfigurations

If your computer’s security settings are modified without your knowledge—such as changes to firewall rules, antivirus settings, or user account privileges—this could prevent you from noticing or interfering with active monitoring processes. Regular checks and logs of these settings can indicate tampering and help maintain control over your system’s integrity.

Maintaining Security Settings:

• Configuration Backups: Regularly back up your system configurations to quickly restore settings if they are altered.
• Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits to ensure that settings align with your company’s security policies.
• Admin Controls: Limit administrative privileges to prevent unauthorized changes to security settings.

9. Unusual Administrative Activities

Notifications about administrative activities you didn’t authorize or perform can be disconcerting. This could range from installing new applications to modifying system settings or updating software—all of which could facilitate or hide monitoring activities. Keeping a log of your own administrative actions and regularly reviewing system logs can help you detect unauthorized changes.

Tracking Administrative Activities:

• Activity Logs: Use system logging tools to keep track of all administrative activities on your machine.
• Authorization Protocols: Implement a protocol that requires authorization for any administrative changes.
• Regular Reviews: Periodically review administrative logs to ensure all activities are authorized and legitimate.

10. Discussions About Non-Work Related Activities

If conversations with your superiors veer into details about your personal or non-work-related activities conducted on your work computer, consider it a potential red flag. Such discussions could be based on insights gained from surveillance tools, especially if these activities are otherwise private or would not have been known without access to your computer usage data.

Protecting Personal Privacy:

• Separate Devices: Use a separate device for personal activities to avoid mixing work and personal data.
• Clear Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries regarding what is considered personal versus work-related digital activity.
• Legal Consultation: If you suspect overreach, consider consulting with a legal expert to understand your rights.

Understanding these signs and regularly auditing your computer for unusual activities can help safeguard your privacy while adhering to workplace policies. Employees should always be informed about the extent and methods of monitoring in their workplace to maintain a transparent and trust-based professional environment. By taking proactive steps, you can better protect your digital privacy and maintain control over your workspace without sacrificing productivity or compliance.