How to Know Whether You Are Being Spied On

ICT – Information and Communication Technology has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade. While this has been beneficial to both businesses and individuals, it has not come without its drawbacks. The rate at which an individual’s privacy is being eroded is directly proportional to technological development. A perfect example is the use of hidden cameras to spy on employees. Today, business owners are installing spy cameras at their premises as a way of monitoring the activities at their workplace. Whereas this has enabled them to strengthen some of their weak points, it has also made employees vulnerable. The same applies to parents and guardians who spy on their children and nannies while they are away on business or vacation.

Cellphone usage has also greatly eroded privacy. Mobile phone providers are using a technology referred to as location tracker as a means of providing better service when in essence they are spying on you. This in turn has led to a big outcry from mobile phone users as it is tantamount to spying. But, because of lack of proper laws in the information and technology sector, privacy will continue to be a big issue. Discussed herein, are tips and guidelines on how to know whether you are being spied on.

Is your cellphone displaying your location? If your mobile phone keeps displaying the location of where you are, know that you are being spied on. Mobile phone providers use cellphone towers to pick signals from mobile phone users. The towers have the capacity to pick the signals even if you are not using your cellphone. Location tracker has been fronted as a technology that enables mobile phone providers to provide you a better service. For example, if you are in Mississippi for business or vacation and do not know where to find the freshest crabs and shrimps, all you have to do is call your cellphone service carrier and they will direct you to the nearest restaurant that serves the freshest sea foods based on your location. However, what if you keep receiving spam SMSs each time you pass one of the chain restaurants urging you to pop in for a meal? How did they know that you are passing one of the chain’s restaurants unless they are spying on you?

While surfing the web, there are malicious applications (i.e. spywares) which install automatically in your home PC if you do not have proper online security software. These applications function in sending your keystrokes, crucial files and any other important data to a remote PC on the net without your knowledge. Some applications commonly referred to as backdoors, will open a backdoor portal on your home computer, thus allowing a hacker to break into your computer. To determine whether or not these applications are installed in your PC, download and install spyware remover from trusted sites such as Microsoft and scan your PC using it. It will identify spywares installed and remove them automatically.

The following are ways through which you can safeguard yourself from spying:

-          Install reliable online security applications and update them on a regular basis.

-          Leave yourself phone in the office if you need to run an errand.