This is a very interesting take on the effects of spyware. Usually, when people hear the word ’spyware’, they think of things like hackers, criminals, and theft. But there actually is a positive aspect to spyware (at least, the elements that can consist of spyware packages). Businesses have actually been using them for quite some time to keep records of their employee’s activities on the computer. Not only that, but spyware is starting to play a larger role in personal households.

Sophisticated computer users for years have installed programs like key stroke loggers to view what others are doing on their computers. But what may have started out as something found only in the hacker realm has become more common with the pervasive use of the Internet.

Say, for example, you are the parent of a 13-year-old daughter who is working on a school project at home. She is researching the subject on the Internet while connecting with others through a messaging program. One of her online “friends” claims to be 15 but is really in his 40s. Over a few months, your daughter has had numerous communications with this man. So much so that her “friend” knows her cell number, where she goes to school and where she lives. Arrangements have been made to meet.

Many parents downplay the chances of this happening to their children, but the reality is prosecutors across the country have handled many such cases. According to a survey of 10- to 19-year-olds, approximately 19 percent said they have received unwanted sexual solicitations online. [FOOTNOTE 1]

With many parents feeling uncomfortable about using computers and so many children using computers linked to the Internet, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office saw that something had to be done.[more]

Tags: Computer Protection