Thursday, June 13, 2024 | Screenshot Tracking

It's challenging for employers to stop employees from using social media during work hours, but it seriously hurts productivity. Social media and other constant notifications distract employees and slow down their work.

Besides distractions, you also need to protect your employees from online threats and manage their work time to boost productivity. Is there a way to monitor this without directly watching them? Yes, there is! The stealth mode feature in employee monitoring software can help.

60% of companies plan to use employee monitoring software, including stealth tools, to track remote workers' productivity.

This blog will explore stealth mode, give examples, explain why employers should use it, and more.

What Is Stealth Computer Monitoring?

Stealth employee monitoring software solutions fall into two categories: legitimate software for administrators to oversee device usage and malicious spyware that extracts data without the user's knowledge.

Employers can use non-malicious spy software to monitor employees on company-owned devices. Stealth or incognito monitoring is a proactive method where the monitoring system is invisible to employees. It helps alert managers and security personnel to illegal or suspicious activities without employees knowing they are being watched.

Software to monitor user activity, like Talygen, can be installed remotely via company servers to track employees' devices. With stealth features enabled, employees won't know that monitoring is happening. The main difference is that traditional monitoring involves employers and employees openly discussing monitoring practices. In contrast, stealth monitoring uses hidden software to monitor activity secretly.

The choice between stealth monitoring and transparent remote employee monitoring depends on the workplace, company culture, relevant laws, and the goals of employee tracking. Now that you know stealth monitoring, you must understand various examples of how it can be used.

Examples of Stealth Computer Monitoring Software

Here are some common types of stealth monitoring software for computers:

These programs track internet activities by monitoring websites visited, search keywords, time spent online, and overall internet usage. They are often used to detect personal browsing during work hours.

Tools help managers and HR boost productivity, identify insider threats, gather evidence of misconduct, and prevent computer misuse. These tools often include features to alert designated personnel of suspicious or unethical activities.

User activity monitoring software solutions monitor how employees interact with their devices and the files they access. Companies use these tools to protect data by ensuring only authorized users access sensitive information.

Malicious programs secretly record device activities and steal data. Keystroke monitoring allows cyber thefts to spy on online conversations and steal passwords.

Reasons Why Employers Choose to Implement Stealth Monitoring

Here are some reasons employers choose to implement stealth monitoring in the workplace:

Stealth monitoring solutions offer the best defense against data theft, whether unintentional or malicious. This software monitors suspicious online activities, reports them quickly, and takes necessary action, acting like digital security personnel for your business. It allows you to monitor who logs into your network and their activities, manage access to company resources, and spot intruders, ensuring your business stays secure.

Cyberloafing is when employees practice non-work activities more than productive activities while working. It includes spending excessive time endlessly scrolling through Facebook or playing games, which can be difficult to detect because these activities are not related to their office work.

Is Stealth Monitoring Perceived as An Invasion Of Employee Privacy?

Many employers worry about this when using stealth mode in employee computer monitoring software. Whether it's seen as an invasion of privacy depends on where and how the software is used.

If you use it for employee monitoring, you must follow the laws related to this practice. It's usually legal to monitor company devices during work hours.

Companies pay employees to perform specific duties and tasks, not to spend time on social media, watch videos, or chat with friends. While there are set working hours, employees can relax during official breaks like lunch.

Besides, in a standard work contract, most companies state that:

• Employees must follow the company's work schedule.
• They must not share confidential company information.
• Employees cannot use company equipment for personal use.
• They agree that management will regularly monitor compliance with these rules by all available means.

Moreover, using stealth computer monitoring software to track work time and attendance is expected, like using video cameras or electronic sensors. So, using it is legal and ethical.

Employers need to follow specific rules to comply with the law:

• They can use monitoring software only during work hours.
• The software should only be installed on company equipment.
• It should be used only for stated goals like checking work quality, managing company property, and ensuring data security.

In some places, monitoring is legal only if mentioned in company policies and employees give written consent after signing their work agreement.