There are many types of malware that can affect the security of virtually any device. However, not all arrive in the same way, nor do all have the same objective. In this article we are going to talk about what is the Bossware. Let's explain how it works, how they can strain it and, also, what to do to prevent this problem that can compromise security and privacy when browsing the network.

What does Bossware consist of

We can say that Bossware is a way that companies have control your workers. They can use it to find out their movements on the Internet, what applications they use, what files they have on the system ... In short, control as if they were in front of the computer and could use the mouse to see everything.

To understand the increased company spyware we must speak of the context in which we find ourselves. We live in a time when remote work is very present. In many cases it has come suddenly but it has to stay. And of course, many companies are suspicious of their employees, of what they can do during working hours.

Basically what the heads or managers of a company is to strain spyware. They use tracking programs to get all kinds of information. This is called Bossware, which comes from the English word boss ( Boss ). But of course, this can really undermine the privacy of workers, who are not aware of it.

Sometimes it is more sophisticated software, which can record all kinds of movements. Sometimes the worker may know that he has that program spying on him, but other times they have no idea about it. An example of something basic is knowing how much time you spend on a certain individual task, while something more advanced is able to report which websites you visit or which programs you have opened.

How it works

But how do they strain a Bossware? Here it must be indicated that they exist different methods. Generally it is very simple, since just install a program on the system. An example is when a company delivers a computer to the worker so that he can carry out his duties. In this device they have previously installed software that will be in charge of recording the movements, for example.

But you can also tell the worker to install that team application on their own. That is, you are going to have to install a certain software that is going to start tracking everything you do, see the time you use an application, etc. It may even be a part of the employment contract and it is the worker who accepts this point and has to install it.

Now these two cases that we have mentioned are known to the worker. Whether the company previously installs that software or it is the worker who installs it, you will know that they are registering information. But it is the opposite case, in which the company can strain a Bossware file and start spying without the consent of the worker.

How do they do it? We are also facing two possibilities. One of them is that they deliver a computer with Bossware installed but do not warn of it and another that, at some point, tell the worker that they need to install a application for work and there is the moment when they also strain software that will record information.

From that moment it will be collecting data on the worker. You can inform the company of the time you spend on a task, open programs, etc. Also, and this is what generates the most controversy, there are versions that have the possibility of showing the company everything that the worker writes on the keyboard. Sure, this way they might know if you spend some of your time surfing the Internet or talking to people across certain platforms, for example.

Is this really necessary? The truth is that many companies choose this method and the workers themselves accept it. It is considered a way to ensure work efficiency, to know exactly how many hours an employee works or to see the use of certain programs that are part of their tasks.

That information may leak

The problem is that, regardless of whether or not this method is lawful by the company, that information could leak. They are personal data of the employee, sometimes the browsing history or even the keystrokes that he performs. All of that could be stored insecurely and an attacker could use it.

So all that information could be used for bad purposes even if it is not from the company. Perhaps even that puts the organization at risk, as essential information could be leaked, such as a new product they are developing, an offer that is made public before being launched, etc.

After all, Bossware is nothing more than a type of software that will collect data of all kinds, information on computer use and even records. It is as if a malware is collecting all that and sending it to a server controlled by the attackers, except that in this case it is the company that collects the information. But of course, if that leaks it would be a problem.

What to do to avoid or detect it

For avoid company spyware, In general, the ideal option is to refuse to allow the company to install this type of program. Legally they are required to report it, so the worker will somehow accept this under the terms of the contract. If you want to avoid this and you know that the company is going to spy on you or is spying on you already, you should discuss it with the organization.

However, you may be affected by Bossware and you may not know it. Maybe you suspect it and want to check if your company really controls everything you do with the work computer or not. You can detect it in different ways, although it may not always be easy:

Read the contract: The first method, the simplest, is to read the employment contract. If that Bossware is legal, the company is obliged to report it in the terms that you will have to sign.
-See installed programs: You can also see the applications installed on the computer. If it is a program that is not hidden, it should appear the same as applications such as the browser, text editors or any other tool.
-Check system processes: In addition, another possibility is to analyze the system processes. Do you see any stranger who shouldn't be? You can always search the Internet for information and see what it should be and see if it can be a spyware for the company.
In short, as you have seen, Bossware is basically spyware that the company installs to control workers. We have explained how it works and how you can detect it in case it is installed on your computer without you knowing it.