Robert Siciliano is a NextAdvisor.com Expert Guest Blogger
Most people assume that industrial espionage is just James Bond stuff. However, according to USA Today , even small and medium enterprises are at risk. Spying has been going on since the beginning of time, and he is alive today. In most cases, espionage begins because a person or entity needs or wants information that is otherwise kept confidential or private from prying eyes.
Most people probably spied at some point in their lives. Maybe children, rummaging through the siblings 'or parents' cupboards and drawers. Or, as teenagers, spying on a boyfriend or girlfriend in an attempt to determine why a first relationship was not working. Or as parents, hoping to protect the children themselves. Hopefully this type of behavior disappears as we grow older and learn to trust others. But some people are serious reasons to spy on adults. This behavior can eventually lead to stalking, which is of course illegal and can end in tragedy.
There are a lot of tools to facilitate espionage. There are more information gathering capacity than ever before. An online search for "spy shop" or "spy shop" presents an extensive collection of small wireless cameras, appliances, listening software and hardware that can help the client to collect enough data on their target to do damage, or discover sensitive information.
Spyware is available commercial software that tracks keystrokes, emails and instant messages. In the wrong hands, it can be very damaging. Keycatchers are devices that can be installed on the back of a PC to record raw data.
There is a need to monitor Internet use by children, but is also an open dialogue important.If someone has suspicions about her husband, who is a scenario quite different, which requires a different set of rules. Know that if you spy or cheat on a loved one, you must be prepared for the consequences.
Protect yourself and your business for this type of espionage is difficult, but possible. Always keep in mind that those of the "inside", as friends, family members, employees or persons who have special access and could be paid off as a cleaning person or a security guard, can access sensitive data.
- Make sure there are no mysterious hardware devices connected to your computer.
- Sweep your house for audio recording devices. You can hire someone to do it, or do an online search for a tool that will help you.
- password protect the administrator account on your computer, to prevent the installation of unauthorized software.
- Run a spyware removal program.
- Never leave unlocked cabinets, or working paper lying around.
- Shed any documents that contain sensitive data before disposal.
- Lock your wireless connections, as they are often the path of least resistance.
- Do not disclose too much personal information on social networks, as this makes it easy for people to spy on you.
- know that identity thieves have access to these tools as well, so protect yourself. Get a credit freeze. Go to ConsumersUnion.org and follow the steps for your particular state. This is an absolutely necessary tool to secure your credit. In most cases, it prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. This makes your Social Security number useless to a potential identity thief.
- And invest in identity theft protection. All forms of protection against identity theft can be prevented, but identity theft protection services can dramatically reduce your risk.
Robert Siciliano, identity theft speaker, discusses mobile phone tracking and spying on The Tyra Banks Show .
Robert Siciliano is CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, an expert on identity theft, professional speaker, analyst security, published author and television news correspondent. Siciliano works with Fortune 1000 and start-up companies as a consultant on product launches, branding, messaging, representation, SEO and media. the thoughts and advice of Siciliano on all these issues often appear in both television and print media news, including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, Forbes and USA Today. He has 25 years of safety training as a member of the American Society for Industrial Security. He is the author of two books, including The Safety Minute: Living on high alert; How to take control of your personal safety and to prevent fraud . He also established a partnership with Uni-Ball to help raise awareness of the growing threat of identity theft and provide tips on how you can protect yourself.