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 now, the DA's office admits there are potential privacy problems, specifically 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.
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.