What Is Computer Surveillance?
Computer surveillance is a type of computer spying that tracks all activity on a target's computer, or may also refer to the use of a computer to monitor security cameras and audio feeds. Both types of computer surveillance depend on specialized software specifically geared toward this task. While there are professional systems for locations such as casinos and banks, there are home security systems as well that make use of this technology.
The type of computer surveillance where the computer, itself, is being monitored could be used in a number of situations. Those who suspect they may have a cheating spouse may search for computer activity for confirmation. It is also useful to watch what children are doing online. Some software products will monitor all keystrokes. Others will only monitor Internet activity. Internet monitoring includes a list of web sites visited, a copy of all e-mails and instant messages. This can be a powerful tool when it comes to collecting evidence.
Employers also use Internet monitoring software at times. They do so in order to determine what their employees are doing during the day. While some employees may raise objections due to privacy issues, most jurisdictions do not have any laws against this type of computer surveillance. Most employees are required to agree to this type of monitoring as a condition of their employment, but even this is often not required by law in many states.
The other type of computer surveillance involves computers being used to monitor security cameras or listening devices. The images are run through a computer system. They may be reviewed live, or may be stored on a hard drive and reviewed later if needed. Usually, images will only be stored for a limited time before being cleared to make space on the hard drive for newer footage. The length of time often depends on each company's policy and available storage capacity. Video monitoring of a parking lot may be kept for only a few days. Video monitoring of a casino floor may be kept for several months.
Computer surveillance of this type may even allow those monitoring a live feed to reposition cameras to particular areas of interest. This is especially true of casinos and banks, where a certain person may warrant more interest than others. The computer is linked to the camera and controlled by remote control. This remote link makes it easier to monitor the activity without alerting the individual who is under surveillance that he or she has aroused suspicion.
Written by Ken Black
