Posted: January 14, 2015 – 9:45AM
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is now offering free computer monitoring software to assist parents/guardians in keeping track of their child’s computer/internet usage.
ComputerCOP software allows you to scan images, documents, videos and internet explorer history. ComputerCOP also allows you to capture chat and email conversations using a keyword search through KeyAlert.
Children use the web to surf various websites and stay connected to friends, but every parent should be warned that there are dangers that lurk on the other side of the computer screen. Parents should be aware of which sites children are using, and keep up to speed on the various forms of technology that could potentially put their children at risk. The main goal of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, is to keep families safe, whether it’s on the street or from behind a computer.
“Our office is committed to protecting our children from becoming victims of on-line crime. We want to protect kids from exploitation and abduction by Internet predators; we hope to increase the reporting of such criminal activity; and we strive to provide parents, guardians, and other responsible adults with resources to make our kids’ online experiences safe, educational and fun,” said Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.
Parents and guardians are able to pick up their free copy of the software at two Sheriff’s Office locations:
Sheriff’s Administration Building located at 10750 Ulmerton Road in Largo.
Sheriff’s North District Station located at 737 Louden Avenue in Dunedin.
Community Policing Deputies, School Resource Deputies and Crime Prevention Deputies will also hand out copies to parents throughout the community.
Parents can also visit www.PCSOweb.com to view the Parent’s Tool Kit and educate themselves on the dangers kids face online, who they’re talking to and how they can protect them.
According to the CD, “For use with Windows 8 through XP – Mac 10.6 Snow Leopard and later.”
At least one organization (EFF) is calling this software “dubious.” It contends that the keylogger stores all the data including passwords unencrypted on the computers hard drive. If true, this is a very dangerous practice that raises many security concerns. The article in its entirety can be viewed HERE.
There are many legitimate software vendors that have instituted the intended goal very safely in the marketplace. The costs associated with installing this software may be too great despite its free price.
This is not an endorsement by IONTB of the ComputerCOP software program. Consult your computer adviser for recommendations on monitoring software.