How To Reveal That Your Boss Is Spying On You

What to do if your boss is spying on you?

Thinking that your boss is spying on you? Well, it can be true – most companies regulate workplace surveillance and track the activity of their employees in different ways. From using workplace monitoring software to using virtual private networks to monitor your traffic, they want to make sure that you are not distracted and use company resources productively.

The idea of monitoring employees became even more popular with the outburst of remote work. Today, there are lots of invasive surveillance technologies out there that can monitor your every move without letting you know about this process. Moreover, it is legal as per the National Labor Relations Board, so you can't lawsuit the company if you find out that the management is spying on you.

So, how do you find out if the boss is spying on you? How to detect 'boss ware' on your work computer and what to do next? Keep reading to find out.

Key takeaways:

• Employee monitoring is commonplace today. Employers can see your conversations in any company-run software, including Slack, Microsoft Teams, and many more.
• In most cases, your manager has to go through the IT or human resources department to get access to your data.
• The wisest approach is to act as if all your actions from a work computer were monitored. Hold important or sensitive conversations from your personal devices and don't share anything that the employer can use against you.

Tired of constant monitoring and time-tracking software? Update your resume and look for a company that is not obsessed with employee surveillance. At ResumePerk, we can update your resume so that it looks modern, showcases accomplishments, and presents your strengths for your target job opening. Order today with a special 15% discount!

How to know if your boss is spying: 6 Tips to detect workplace monitoring

Check your company's handbook or your contract

This is probably where you should start. Your contract or the company's handbook may have the policies stating how exactly your actions are being monitored (for example, reading sent and received emails, phone calls, and even social media accounts).

The companies often outline that the working computer and smartphone are not for private use, so don't be surprised when the facts from your private emails suddenly pop up in conversation. If your social media is monitored, it's a good idea to have another page for private conversations and use it outside of work.

Ask the IT department

With today's sophisticated technology, it is not always possible to detect the monitoring software or hidden computer processes. Since the IT department has full access to all computers in your office, you can reach out to them and ask about employee monitoring. Thus, you'll get insights into data collection and computer activity that is being monitored, and how employers track your actions.

Unknown programs are installed

First things first, is your work computer provided by the company? If yes, the likelihood of installed programs for employee monitoring is much higher.

Check the programs installed on your computer and install those that don't look familiar to you. However, if the employee handbook says you mustn't delete any applications on this computer, avoid sharing any sensitive information using it as it probably tracks every move you make.

Your webcam light is on

If your computer camera is switched on (or switches on and off although you don't even use it), be cautious – probably, you are being monitored by your boss right now. There is software that allows switching on your camera remotely so your boss could see what you are busy with at the very moment. Yes, there are privacy concerns about it, but some bosses do it during work hours.

You see suspicious running processes on your computer

Even if you don't see any suspicious software on your PC, it doesn't mean it's not there. Some spyware can only be detected by advanced computer users. However, you can notice such software by checking the processes running at your computer. Forbes.com offers how to do this:

• On a PC, you can bring up the Task Manager by hitting "Alt-Ctrl-Del". Switch to the "Processes" tab.
• On a Mac, go to your "Launchpad," bring up "Gadgets and Gizmos," then go to "Utilities" and click on "Activity Monitor." If you see the unknown names on the list, you can Google them to find out what each particular process means. However, if you find something like VNC, RealVNC, TightVNC, UltraVNC, LogMeIn, Shadow, Silent Watch, or GoToMyPC, there might be spying software on your computer.

Your boss recalls private conversations or facts

If your supervisor mentions something related to your professional or private life but you don't remember saying this to any of your colleagues, there might be a spy at some of your devices.  The boss has probably read your emails, either professional or private, or scanned your phone calls.

Remember that anything you send can hurt you later, for example, the boss will reprimand you for an emotional comment about his leadership style, and sometimes situations like these can even force you to resign.

How to protect your privacy at the workplace?

With the abundance of task manager and monitoring software, you cannot be 100% sure about your privacy even when working from home. Use these tips to protect your privacy and save yourself from the negative consequences of monitoring:

Assume that your actions are always monitored

Even if you are not sure that your computer activity is monitored, the smartest way is to act as if it were. Assume that your boss keeps an eye on employee activity and don't share any sensitive or personal information. Avoid backstabbing your boss using corporate e-mail, don't say to your coworker that you've sent the resume to the company's main competitor, and so on.

Plus, if you hold such conversations using a work computer, your boss will probably see a decreased performance, and it can reflect on your salary.

Use a personal device

If you need to get in touch with your family or a friend, use your own device to protect your privacy. Restrict your communication via PC and company issued phone to discussing business matters and remember that some topics of conversations don't belong to workplaceat all.

Protect yourself from 'bossware'

Some companies use more tools than just tracking your correspondence and task monitoring. They watch your every move: the websites you visit and how much time you spend on them, how often you get distracted, and even your facial expressions.

Although there is no proof that these tools lead to better productivity, you as an employee don't have much of a choice. You either stick to work-related tasks using a company computer or look for another job where the boss is less obsessed with employee monitoring.

Control your social media activity

It's not a secret that inappropriate social media posts can cost you a job. If your boss is obsessed with productivity, try not to use your private accounts during work hours. And, of course, don't post anything during these hours or tell that you are looking for a new job in public. Or, update your privacy settings or even set up a new account for friends only.

Spying at the workplace is common these days. However, you can use the above hints to protect your private life and prevent unpleasant consequences such as disciplinary actions.

Want a new job? Give your resume a boost

If you are puzzled by the question "What to do if your boss is spying on you?" it's probably time to look for a company that matches your working style better.

At ResumePerk, we can prepare a keyword-optimized, well-designed resume that will help you land that dream job. Look at our prices for resume services- they will pleasantly surprise you! Chat with us to discuss how we can help take your resume to the next level.

Is your employer spying on you?