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The security company has been working with the National Network to End Domestic Violence's 'Safety Net' program, and educating law enforcement and others about the role of spyware in these cases.
Someone seeking to escape from an abusive relationship may be making plans to get away. It's at these times when the person is in a danger zone for greater harm at the hands of abusers who may be using technology to enable their controlling ways.
Cindy Southworth of NNEDV and Hiep Dang of McAfee talked to SecurityProNews about their efforts to help law enforcement and domestic violence counselors learn and be aware of the dark side of technology, and the role it can play in these relationships.
Education became important because cops and counselors contacted by victims frequently did not know how to advise someone who believed a partner may be spying on their activities electronically. Such spying goes well beyond keyloggers, as Southworth noted. Some spyware grabs screenshots of activity and sends them to the abuser.
That creates an extremely dangerous situation for the victim, who may have been looking up relocation options or travel plans. An abuser who realizes a victim may be preparing to flee could object violently, with murder being a possible outcome.
It's important for those who a victim might contact to understand the perils of using an unsafe computer, Southworth told us. If they don't know to advise a
person to use a safe machine, either at work, a trusted friend's residence, or a library, the results could be tragic.
McAfee's Dang recently assisted in a "Technology Safety Training of Trainers" conference in Kansas City, MO, in partnership with NNEDV. He discussed the electronic threat, and how it can extend beyond the personal computer to the mobile phone, something millions of people carry every day.
Both groups advised people to assume they are being monitored, whether they are certain of this or not. Also, victims should not try cleaning up a suspected machine. Evidence of electronic spying can be found with forensic methods, and can be critical in securing a conviction against an abuser.
NNEDV advised people to contact 911, local hotlines, or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) and TTY 1-800-787-3224 if they need help right away.
About
the Author:
David Utter is a business and technology writer for SecurityProNews and WebProNews.
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