slm
this is way too late
ppl have been using this for a long time
ask me …
heahehe
By Sharon Gaudin
InformationWeek
August 15, 2007 12:19 PM
A woman, looking to get out of an abusive relationship, goes online to buy plane tickets for herself and her two small children, and then she e-mails a friend about her plan to leave. As she works to secretly put things in order, she doesn't realize her husband has downloaded spyware onto the computer and will soon know everything she's planning to do.
It's a scenario that security professionals and social workers say is happening more and more frequently. And this week, a McAfee researcher is meeting with domestic abuse advocates to help them fight the growing use of technology in abuse and stalking cases.
As high-tech tools become increasingly ingrained in our everyday lives, abusers and stalkers are increasingly using them to track and intimidate their victims, said Cindy Southworth, director and founder of the Safety Net Project, an organization working to end domestic violence. Making women and men — as well as law enforcement — aware of the tools that could be used against victims is an important step in protecting them.
"We hear story after story from victims and police about abusers installing spyware to monitor someone's moves, like researching domestic abuse shelters or buying bus tickets," Southworth told InformationWeek. "It can be potentially dangerous and even lethal. The highest risk time for victims' injury or death is when they leave or just after leaving. [For the abuser], it's all about maintaining control of the victim. If he finds out she's planning to leave, that could be deadly."
