Reply to: Been asked to install key logging software...

[JIDEARE]

Going to try my best not to repeat everyone else on the post... surely this is an invasion of your privacy as this is your personal Device?

[skysurfer]

Thanks guys. I'm meeting the tech director on Tuesday, I'll let you know how it all goes!

[northernladyuk]

Hi all,

Apologies if this is the wrong forum, *newbie here*, but need some advice please.

Situation: I am a contractor, work from home, and use my own laptop. One of my clients has asked me to install a key logger on my laptop, that will record key strokes and send screen shots to them, so they can "accurately record time spent on individual projects". I have several problems with this:

1. I have more than one client, and am pretty sure my other clients would have concerns about data security if I had a key logger installed.
2. It is my laptop, not a client supplied one.
3. Concerned that there may be IR35 issues.

I need to explain myself to them, to say why I am not going to be installing their key logger on my laptop (I think it is likely to be a volatile meeting as the client is a little direct, and may well end in the termination of this contract!), and was wondering if there is any opinions/references etc out there that I can cadge to support my assertions. Any other opinions?

Really grateful for any help!

Cheers,
Sky

Propose to them an amended version of your contract, defining new terms around the key logging software and give them a new 'per keystroke' quotation.

[billybiro]

That is utter b*llocks.

If they don't trust you to do the work they are paying you for, then you are immediately starting on a bad footing.

If you can afford to, I would be direct with them and simply tell them if they don't trust you then feel free to cancel the contract. (is that requirement in the contract?? if not even better.)

"I'm good at my job, and I am a professional. You will get what you are paying for, I am not trying to cheat you out of time/money. If that isn't good enough for you, I'd like to point out that the requirement for this software is not in the contract you signed. You can either cancel the contract, or we can continue as professionals, and I will complete the services I have been contracted to provide".

I'm trying to imagine some gimp manager looking through hours of logs, screenshots, and trying to figure out if it all adds up to "yes he was working all that time". Total nonsense.

This is the only correct answer, IMHO.

The client asking for keylogging software to be installed is merely the tip of the iceberg. Even if you complied with the request (and there's many reasons not to as other posters have pointed out), it won't take away the fact that this client has a major trust issue and is attempting to address this through overbearing micro-management. I don't believe that any amount of acquiescence on your behalf will appease the client's concerns. They're simply paranoid and that's not going to change, keylogging or not.

So, tell them politely that you'll not be doing this under any circumstances. jmo21's draft letter is a good way to do it. Alternately, you could do this.

[woodyuk]

++1 for this

Wow - you just started where I work ? I made the same post on here a few days ago, sorry i had not updated what the outcome was.

I worked out how to uninstall the monitoring tool, I was approached by HR bod and asked why I had done it. Said not willing to be monitored. Said if they would like me to leave then no problem. I never heard from them again (was a week ago). Although it might have helped I saved them £50k that day!

I would never ever have considered to have it installed on my own machine! that's madness!

Maybe this is some weird trend!

[BR14]

or tell them to **** off, not pleasantly worded but apt...

++1 for this

[SunnyInHades]

Hi all,

Situation: I am a contractor, work from home, and use my own laptop. One of my clients has asked me to install a key logger on my laptop, that will record key strokes and send screen shots to them, so they can "accurately record time spent on individual projects". I have several problems with this:

3. Concerned that there may be IR35 issues.

That's sounds like extreme micro management to me, almost certainly direction & control and inside IR35 ("I see on Monday you opened the Opera browser between 9-00am and 9-20am .. why ?").

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

On site on a customer’s computer - fine, they can do what they want on their machines though I probably wouldn’t stick around with a client that has trust issues like that.

On my laptop in my office, they would be politely told to **** right off, the cheeky *****.

Edit: well actually, polite might be stretching things. If a client asked me to do this my response would be very blunt and matter of fact. For all the reasons outlined in this thread. I would make it very clear that I was not happy that they even asked.

[SlipTheJab]

No. It would constitute a security breach for your other clients. An excellent reason not to install the software, and one that can be pleasantly worded.

or tell them to **** off, not pleasantly worded but apt...

[unixman]

No. It would constitute a security breach for your other clients. An excellent reason not to install the software, and one that can be pleasantly worded.

[quackhandle]

It's a no from me.

Email them the points why you won't be installing it.

See what their response it.

Be prepared to walk.

qh

[jmo21]

I hear you! It is the old issue, remote head office, even though I have been contracting with them for 4 years (mid to senior level), they have panic attacks that they may not be aware of exactly what you are doing and when, so they leap to these extremes! Guaranteed way to make you feel un-trusted, and completely demotivated!!!

Sounds like middle management who have no idea how to manage, and come up with some rubbish "thing" to make up for it.

And you've been there 4 years too!

Surprised they would even consider allowing WFH....."if he's not at his desk, he can't be working!"

[Lance]

another method to refuse it is tell the client that your AV software blocked it from running.

I'd still suggest they get told to Foxtrot Oscar but if you want to be polite you can use this.

[Jog On]

I hear you! It is the old issue, remote head office, even though I have been contracting with them for 4 years (mid to senior level), they have panic attacks that they may not be aware of exactly what you are doing and when, so they leap to these extremes! Guaranteed way to make you feel un-trusted, and completely demotivated!!!

Key logging software on your own kit? Just no. Is that even legal? So if you log into online banking to check your balance in your lunch-break what then?

[skysurfer]

That is utter b*llocks.

If they don't trust you to do the work they are paying you for, then you are immediately starting on a bad footing.

If you can afford to, I would be direct with them and simply tell them if they don't trust you then feel free to cancel the contract. (is that requirement in the contract?? if not even better.)

I hear you! It is the old issue, remote head office, even though I have been contracting with them for 4 years (mid to senior level), they have panic attacks that they may not be aware of exactly what you are doing and when, so they leap to these extremes! Guaranteed way to make you feel un-trusted, and completely demotivated!!!