A computer program designed to protect kids online has potential privacy issues.
The internet monitoring program called Computer Cop allows parents to look for inappropriate content on their kids computers. The district attorney’s office gives the program to local parents free of charge.
But according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which examined the spyware in an in-depth report, the program raises security issues, specifically with the key stroke logging feature.
They report, the “keystroke-capturing function, also called a “keylogger,” could place a family’s personal information at extreme risk by transmitting what a user types over the Internet to third-party servers without encryption.
That means many versions of ComputerCOP leave children (and their parents, guests, friends, and anyone using the affected computer) exposed to the same predators, identity thieves, and bullies that police claim the software protects against.
The DA's office admits there are potential privacy problems with the key stroke logging feature.
“If it’s something that parents are uncomfortable with they can disable it and use the products, other features,” said Brendan McHugh with the DA’s office.
However, one computer security expert says he would not encourage parents to use Computer Cop. Stephen Cobb with ESET says the keystroke logging feature has the ability to expose sensitive information to outsiders.
“This particular piece of software came out some time ago, and I think I would be moving on from that to something that is more secure and has more capabilities,” he said.
Local
Cobb says Windows and MAC operating systems already come with parental controls on their computers and parents should become familiar with those. Alternatively, parents can purchase more advanced security programs.
