Workplace surveillance, from Russia with love

(Part 3 of a series on post-covid remote working. Part 2 here) Ok, so you’ve decided to install some workplace surveillance software, despite all the good reasons why you shouldn’t. Do you know exactly what you’re letting yourself in for? A basic question: Who, exactly, are these companies? Let’s take a look at one: StaffCop — … Read more

Employee snooping is big business. Expect it to get bigger

I wrote previously about how snooping on employees is going to become the norm as managers scramble to deal with a workforce that is reluctant — or unable — to return to the workplace. Enabling this will be a host of tools available for companies to do this. It’ll be impossible for a lot of … Read more

The Internet of Things Could Kill You, Or At Least Jab You With A Screwdriver

  Lucas and his killer robots. Photo: JW (This is the transcript of my BBC World Service piece which ran today. The original Reuters story is here.)  I’m sure you’ve seen those cute little humanoid robots around? They’re either half size, or quarter size, they look like R2D2, and if you believe the ads, they … Read more

I’m An Airline, Fly Me

This an email from a bona fide airline:  Dear Sir/Madam, Please be informed that your transaction with [international carrier] has been confirmed. Due to fraud prevention procedure against Credit Card transaction, we would like to validate your recent transaction with [international carrier] by filling information below : Passenger(s) name : Route :Date of Travel :Cardholder … Read more

Ripe for Disruption: Bank Authentication

One thing that still drives me crazy, and doesn’t seem to have changed with banks, is they way they handle fraud detection with the customer. Their sophisticated algorithms detect fraudulent activity, they flag it, suspend the card, and give you a call, leaving a message identifying themselves as your bank and asking you to call … Read more