The other week something called Altiris was installed on our computers
at work. This has led to a certain amount of anxiety since the software,
supposedly intended to monitor and administer software configurations,
can also be used to check what we are doing on our computers–including
what websites we visit and how often. Some programmers have sworn off
checking their bank accounts or train schedules online at work because
they are afraid that big brother is watching.
Altiris, which was purchased a while back by Symantec, does not really
give any inkling on its website that the software is designed for
workplace surveillance. However, a 2005 article from www.processor.com does:
Most IT admins certainly do not relish the thought of having to
access co-workers’ email accounts, files, or online activities. However,
policy or legal liability issues may one day necessitate that you
monitor your network users’ workstations. A plethora of tools exists to
make the process relatively painless, if applied correctly.
Pedestal Software’s Altiris SecurityExpressions audits desktops,
laptops, and servers to ensure adherence to either specific enterprise
or best practices policies. The system security policy audit and
compliance software also offers hundreds of preset configurations from
which IT admins can select.
full:
http://louisproyect.wordpress.com/2007/08/31/welcome-to-the-panopticon/
