Here are the top Internet Safety Tips for Kids & Parents. The internet has been embedded into nearly every aspect of our lives. It’s a place where you can connect with others, discover new concepts, and share your knowledge. However, although the internet may be useful, it also can be a dangerous place.
People often don’t think twice about what they do online. But did you know that, on average, internet hacks occur every 39 seconds? Hackers, cyberbullies, identity thieves, and online predators, all use the internet as a weapon for their attacks.
Dangers exist on the internet just as they do in the physical world, which is why it’s so important to take the necessary precautions when surfing the web. Below are some tips on how to stay safe online.
Use Secure Sites
This may sound simple, but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t check to see if they’re on a secure site. Using an unsecured site is like walking through a dark alleyway filled with thieves and muggers. They’re a gateway for hackers, identity theft, and viruses to steal your personal information and use it against you.
Secure sites encrypt your data before sending it over to the server, which helps protect your information from identity theft. Luckily most web browsers make it easier to tell if a site is secure or not. One of the easiest ways to spot whether a site is secure is by looking at your search bar. If you see a lock symbol or see the URL with HTTPS, then the site is secure. If you see an open lock or see that the URL starts with HTTP, then avoid using the site.
Some browsers, like Google, will also go the extra mile of giving you a full-page warning if a site has been flagged as unsafe. If you ever stumble upon a site like this, leave the site immediately. Get your kids in the habit of checking the security of their sites before use. It takes two seconds to check but will add a great deal of protection to your browsing.
Use Strong Passwords
Your password is your bodyguard. Unless you buy added security software, your password is the one thing that protects you from a thief.
Most hacks occur because of easy-to-guess passwords. According to Nordpass, the most common password in 2020 was “123456” and the second most common was “123456789.” Passwords like these are the equivalent of closing your front door but never locking it.
Take the time to craft a strong password for each of your accounts. When creating a password avoid using common words, personal information, and using the same password for every account. Instead, try to incorporate a mixture of numbers, words, and symbols in a unique order.
For kids and adults that have cell phones, consider a two-step authentication. This will add a high level of protection that’ll make your accounts harder to hack.
Set Accounts to Private
Social media continues to have a growing impact on kids and adults alike. It can be a great place to stay connected with friends and family, but is also, unfortunately, one of the most common places for online predators and cyberbullies to attack. Anyone that uses social media, unless they’re trying to be an influencer, should set their accounts to private. This will also help prevent any bullies and predators from talking to you or your child.
By switching your account from public to private, you’ll be able to select who can see your posts and who can communicate with you. When you get DM requests or follow requests, try to only accept those from people you know. This will help you and your family avoid any potential scams and unwanted interactions. If your child is young and uses social media, consider monitoring their account until they’re mature enough to navigate it alone.
Think Before You Post
Even if you have a private account, be sure to think before you post. Anything you post on the internet stays on the internet, forever. It’s easy to act out of emotion, but what you post could inhibit your future opportunities, image, and safety. Even if a post or a comment is deleted, there’s always a way to resurface them.
It can be easy for kids and adults alike to overshare on the internet, so make sure to look over what you’re posting before sharing it. Taking the extra time to think about what you say and post on the internet can save you from cyberbullying, hacks, and tainting your public image.
If someone ever posts unwanted pictures or videos of you or your family, take action to get them removed. Although the file will still be on the internet, it’ll be hidden away from the public eye.
Safeguard Your Technology
Treat your technology as if they were a wallet or a purse. Your computer and phone carry so much valuable personal information that could easily be used against you. Things like credit card information, identification numbers, passwords, work information, and more are all held on your laptop and phone.
Even if you’re just going to the bathroom, avoid leaving your technology unattended. Doing so will not only get your devices stolen but put you at major security risks. If your devices are unsupervised, make sure to shut them down. This will protect you from strangers using your device and accessing confidential information.
Monitor Your Accounts
Whether you believe you were hacked or not, it’s always wise to monitor your accounts. One of the best places to see if you got hacked is your email. Many account services such as Gmail, Instagram, and others send you a notification if there’s a suspicious login.
Another way to know if someone has stolen your information is by checking your credit score. Identity theft involves using your personal information to gain an economic advantage. This can cause you to go into massive debt and deplete your credit score immensely. This type of attack is especially harmful to any future financial goals, such as buying a house or applying for credit, since loans, like mortgages, have credit score requirements that are hard to meet if your score is severely damaged.
Your personal information mustn’t be accessible to the public. To see what information about you has been shared on the internet, have each of your family members Google themselves. If personal information such as phone numbers, email addresses, or home addresses come up, talk to the website it’s being shared on to get them removed immediately. Monitoring your accounts can be a great way to put a stop to any occurring damage early on.
Final Thoughts:
With new advancements in technology, our lives are becoming more interconnected with the internet. Although the internet can be a dangerous place, it’s what keeps this world moving forward. It’s more crucial than ever that we instill these positive internet safety tips in our everyday lives. Just like in the real world, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to help ensure your family’s safety.
Looking for the Best Remote PC Monitoring Software to help manage your business? Haven’t thought about it? You may want to start, as remote work is here now and for the foreseeable future.
Employers are investing heavily in tech products and processes aimed at making work-from-home an attractive option for both businesses and employees.
So, how do businesses keep track of their staff’s productivity during the pandemic? To tackle this, companies have turned to computer monitoring to keep track of KPIs and secure IP.
The best Remote PC Monitoring Software lets you track employee activity, emails, and logs suspicious behavior with keyword and file activity alerts. It will even provide a way to track the latest device location.
Before we proceed, here’s a short article on the 5 features to look for in a computer monitoring software.
In this article however, we dive deeper into what makes Remote PC Monitoring one of the fastest growing SaaS industries in the world.
We’ll explore use cases, legality, and the importance of email monitoring plus other a features you should be considering for your business.
The Best Remote PC Monitoring Software
With so many computer monitoring products on the market, it is vital you do your research before settling on any software. Let’s take a look at what features you should be looking for top-of-the-line monitoring.
The best Remote PC Monitoring software logs keystrokes, websites visited, chat conversations, app activity, emails sent and received, file activity, tacks USB and provides a host of other useful features.
With FlexiSPY for Computers, businesses have the option to track employees discreetly, as the software can be hidden on any PC or Mac. However, we always recommend open monitoring – where any surveillance is in the employment contract, as part of company policy.
One of the best aspects of FlexiSPY is the ability to view all computer activity from a remote location without being there. Not only does the software provide all the basic data a manager needs — including log-on/off times, desktop screenshots, and desktop alerts – FlexiSPY can also track the physical location of a laptop by logging the WIFI networks it connects to.
Notably, FlexiSPY is the most comprehensive Desktop IM Tracker on the market. The screenshots feature means, that you’ll never miss any important information – and will be able to get information immediately, on-demand as required.
These advantages make FlexiSPY for Computers one of the most popular Remote PC Monitoring software not only for businesses – but parents, security and investigative professionals, network administrators, and more.
Remote PC Monitoring Features for Business
Here are the features you need:
Email Monitoring
File Transfers
File Activity
Wi-fi Networks (location data)
Measure Bandwidth Activity
Desktop Screenshots
Desktop IMs
Track USB and User logins
24/7 Customer Support
Remote PC Monitoring for Business – 3 Benefits
Remote PC Monitoring Software is a great tool for businesses to better oversee and keep track of their team’s performance.
Here are 3 of the top reasons why you should consider remote PC Monitoring Software:
Improved Efficiency
Remote PC monitoring tracks and logs all data to a user-friendly dashboard/portal. This allows businesses to easily and swiftly pinpoint inefficiencies – and worse, risky behavior.
Employers are able to identify inefficiencies with a scientific method. Enabling them to pinpoint and improve employees or processes that are not optimal or lacking.
Dashboard: FlexiSPY for Computers
Proactive Problem-Solving
With FlexiSPY, managers can prevent potential problems before they occur. It also gives business a way to log data for evidence to be used as necessary. For example, in performance reviews or to protect sensitive information
Advanced Remote monitoring software such as FlexiSPY also offers keyword alerts. When triggered, the system sends an alert to the administrator’s email or phone number.
As seen below, businesses can set-up alerts based on keywords or file activity.
Alerts: FlexiSPY for Computers
Valuable Insights
Remote PC Monitoring tools provide valuable insights into behaviour and work output trends. This informs managers whether or not employees are operating efficiently, and as an added insight — whether they are using company-owned devices appropriately.
The screenshots on-demand feature means business will always know what their employees are working on at the drop of a hat.
Equipped with these tools, businesses have access to data and make informed decisions.
Employee Monitoring Software – Legality
For the most part, if your employees are issued company-owned devices for work, then it is to be expected that they are monitored as company property.
In most countries, employee monitoring in the workplace is legal. However, whether or not you can remotely monitor a company device of an employee while they work at home will depend on each country’s laws. You can learn more about the employee monitoring laws in your country here.
Email Monitoring: Is it Necessary?
One aspect of employee monitoring that companies have a prerogative over are work emails. Undoubtedly, these are expected to be used only for company-related work.
Email monitoring adds a vital layer of protection to deter and prevent malicious activities of employees. This includes data loss prevention features to deal with external attacks through phishing, spam, and more.
Above all, the importance of reliable email monitoring software cannot be underestimated. By monitoring incoming and outgoing emails, suspicious messages will trigger an alert – allowing employers to inspect and contain any potential threat in time.
FlexiSPY: Best Remote PC Monitoring Software for Businesses
Although there a few computer monitoring systems available, most of these are targeted at large companies and are complicated to use. FlexiSPY for Computers is intuitive and provides more monitoring features than any other monitoring software on the market. And because it is priced monthly, it’s very easy to get started.
FlexiSPY’s superior compatibility and depth of features makes it ideal for companies that have tablets as well as desktop computers who wish to monitor all devices from one portal.
Looking for the right Computer Monitoring Software for Parents? Here on the blog, we discuss how parents can create a healthy, secure digital environment for their children.
All it takes is one wrong click and your child could be exposed to cyberthreats. By using the right online protection tool, you can mitigate risks from cyberbullying and predators.
Given the threats, monitoring a child’s social media and online activity is no longer a far-out concept in most households. And through remote computer monitoring, you can stay informed without getting too involved in your kid’s online activity.
Keep in mind that not all computer monitoring software offers the same features or compatibility.
The best computer monitoring software lets you see all data and monitor messages, as well as provide keyword and file transfer alerts. At the very least, you should be able to track social media, emails, and other online activities.
Make sure to do your research and read verified reviews by other parents who have used the product before buying anything. Pick one that you know can really deliver on its’ promises.
When it comes to choosing a computer monitoring software for parents, it’s always better to be proactive. Rather than wait for something bad to happen, then react.
The Best Internet Monitoring Software for Parents
First, we’ll discuss why computer monitoring has become vital for internet safety. Then, we compare the best computer monitoring software for parents based on features and limitations.
Specifically, we tested Bark & Qustodio computer monitoring software and compared them to FlexiSPY for Computers. Note that all are worth considering as a Parental Control Tool to help protect your child online.
Before we dive into the tools, let’s look at the pros and cons of computer monitoring software for parents.
Internet Monitoring Software for Parents – Pros and Cons
Children and adults are spending an unprecedented amount of time on the computer and the internet. As such, it’s unsurprising that Children and Cybercrime statistics are on the rise during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Today, the role of Internet Monitoring Software for Parents in online safety can not be emphasized enough.
For parents, internet monitoring software is a way to secure peace of mind, reassurance, and a means to stay informed of their child’s online activity. Here are some other advantages.
Advantages of Computer Monitoring Software for Parents
There are many causes for parents to consider computer monitoring software. Above all, it adds a layer of protection to their child’s digital environment 24/7.
Here are some other reasons you may need a Parental Control App to protect your children.
Arguments Against Computer Monitoring Software for Parents
There are detractors to computer monitoring for parental control. For example, concerns over privacy and differing perspectives on parental responsibility do exist. These lead to the question of whether there is a legitimate need for digital surveillance.
Arguments against Computer Monitoring Software include:
They are intrusive
Can be unreliable
Do not work as advertised
Exploitable by malicious hackers
Are often expensive
Computer & Internet Monitoring for Parents – The FlexiSPY Way
In our view, every case for monitoring is unique. At times, there is a legitimate need for parents to be aware of what their child is doing on the computer and especially, who they’re talking to.
Most importantly, computer monitoring does not have to be intrusive. We always recommend talking to your child openly. That is why FlexiSPY for Computers does not restrict or block computer activity, giving parents the option to monitor openly or discreetly.
Let your children know that certain activities are going to be monitored for their safety and that you will be stepping in only when it’s really needed. This can also be a great deterrent for dangerous online behavior.
We know that no parent can be everywhere at once. But you still want that peace of mind that comes with knowing for sure that they’re ok.
To this end, we recommend investing in computer monitoring software you can really trust (you’d be surprised how many big names have been caught up in a scam).
Note: Today, you can know more and worry less for FREE with FlexiSPY for Computers’ Limited Time Offer.
Next, let’s look at the top computer monitoring software for parents and compare them to FlexiSPY.
Comparing the Best Computer Monitoring Software for Parents
Online protection tools for parents can help nurture a secure digital ecosystem for children.
Although parents may take different approaches to monitor their child’s behavior and online interaction, remote computer monitoring is one of the fastest-growing ways to add safety to your online environment.
But with so many options for parents, how do you make the right choice?
Let’s look at Bark and Qustodio and compare them to FlexiSPY for Computers.
Bark Computer Monitoring vs. FlexiSPY
According to Bark, their software gives guardians the tools they need to raise kids in the digital age. Bark monitors emails, apps, browsers, limits screen time, and blocks apps and browsers.
Here are Bark’s main features:
Social Media Monitoring
Email Tracking
Screen time & Web Filtering
Parental Alerts
Web Browser and App Restriction
After testing, we found that Bark’s computer monitoring is limited compared to FlexiSPY. Additionally, Bark does not monitor Mac computers.
Below is a visual comparison of Bark vs. FlexiSPY. On the left are the most important features to consider when it comes to parental control.
Bark vs. FlexiSPY Computers
Bark for Computers: Limitations
Below, we outline some drawbacks of Bark’s Computer product.
Does not monitor Mac
Bark can only monitor PC computers running on the Windows operating system.
The Bark app can be downloaded onto a Mac to monitor Android and compatible iOS devices. However, the software is unable to monitor the MacBook itself.
This compatibility limitation is a major drawback of Bark. The best computer monitoring software monitors both Windows and Mac devices seamlessly. While offering the same features and reliability on both platforms.
PC Monitoring Product are Chrome and Edge Extensions
Bark PC monitoring is simply a browser extension that tracks browser activity and emails. And is far from the comprehensive parental control monitoring promised.
If you are using a browser that is not Edge or Chrome – then it is unlikely that Bark will provide you with any features.
Does not block dangerous apps or websites
The parental control options offered by Bark are limited. It can only set time limits for apps and websites; the software does not block access.
However, this also means that the app cannot be ‘truly hidden’ as the child will always know they are being monitored due to these restrictive features.
Furthermore, as seen in these screenshots below taken from Bark’s own how-to-guide for Setting up their ‘parental controls’ — Bark’s time restriction features are simply a guide on how to use the Microsoft Parental Control features on your computer.
If parents are expected to take all these steps using the Microsoft Family Safety App – then what exactly does the Bark app itself do?
Limited Alert System
Bark’s profanity filter does not offer customization options. This means parents will still be sifting through a lot of data to fully monitor their child’s online and computer activity.
The best monitoring software will give parents the option to customize Keyword alerts – including specific word and phrases, file modification, file transfers, file deletion, and more.
No Way to Track Computer Location
Bark does not track a computer’s real-time location or location history. Nor does it offer check-in features to locate or get a response from the device user.
With FlexiSPY for Computers, parents can track location by viewing network activity and Wi-Fi connections. For example, you can pinpoint the device location from the name of the wi-fi connection.
Limited Customer Service Channels
We had trouble getting answers to simple pre-sale questions. After 24 hours, we did not get a response to our question regarding compatibility and features.
Timely tech support is a vital aspect of computer monitoring, and one can only imagine how long Bark might take to answer a technical query.
Requires Your Payment Info Up-front
Upon entering the Bark website, you are prompted to input your credit card information for parental consent. This is required before you see any website or product information. Read into that what you will.
Why FlexiSPY is the better alternative?
Unlike Bark, FlexiSPY works on both PC and Mac and offers the same features on both OS.
Furthermore, Bark’s PC product lacks real tracking features compared to FlexiSPY’s advanced monitoring. These include print tracking, file activity, keyword alerts, screenshots, and keystroke logging. The last feature lets you know everything that is typed on the computer 24/7.
Ultimately, FlexiSPY is designed specifically for parents and offers a more personalized touch to computer monitoring.
Learn more about why FlexiSPY is the better alternative here.
Qustodio Computer Monitoring vs. FlexiSPY
Qustodio Computer Monitoring lets customers choose bundle packages to monitor their families.
Qustodio’s main appeal is family plans, which are available in bulk or bundled pricing. The great thing is, you can start monitoring anywhere from 5, 10, to 15 devices.
They do offer a free version; however, it offers very little for Parental Control and as such, will not be discussed here. Instead, we focus on Qustodio for Computers Premium.
Qustodio provides plenty of quantity when it comes to devices monitored. However, the quality and depth of features available for Windows or Mac are limited, especially when compared to similarly priced options on the market.
If you’re running a business or have a large family and only need basic features, such as how much time your kids spend on certain apps, then Qustodio is perhaps worth considering.
Here are Qustodio’s main Computer features:
Activity Logging (Keylogger, Emails, and Websites)
Activity Reports
App & Website Restrictions
Balance Screen-time (lock computer features)
Social Media Monitoring (View Time Spent)
YouTube and Facebook Monitoring
Hide Software
Without being too brash, what Qustodio’s computer monitoring product lacks in features, it tries to make up for in the number of devices monitored.
For example, the company offers Social Media Monitoring but does not specify that you will only be able to view Time Spent, without any further details.
Also, note that the only social media platform Qustodio tracks is Facebook. If you would like to monitor any other app on a computer using Qustodio, the only data you get is, once again, the time spent in each app.
To get to the bottom of things, you want transcripts of Desktop IM Chats and the ability to Take Screenshots. It comes down to whether you need basic features or a more advanced parental control tool.
Below is a visual comparison of Qustodio vs. FlexiSPY’s features for Computers.
Qustodio vs. FlexiSPY for Computers
Qustodio for Computers: Limitations
Below we outline some drawbacks of Qustodio’s Computer product.
Facebook Tracking Limitations
When it comes to parental control, Facebook is one of the more important apps you want to be able to track.
Unfortunately, Qustodio’s Facebook monitoring only shows who your child messages with and what they post on their wall, it does not show the actual content of those conversations.
Anti-Virus/Security Suite Issues
Like most computer monitoring software, Qustodio struggles to deal with security suites. Here you can see multiple reviews that highlight this interference with the app.
What does this mean? If your computer has an anti-virus, firewall, anti-malware, system optimization software, or another Parental Control App – then Qustodio is unlikely to work smoothly. In any circumstance, you have to remove, disable, or uninstall security apps before installing Qustodio.
Learn more about this issue and the steps you would need to take to get the software running properly here.
Consider computer monitoring software with an installation service. This means you can then sit back and relax as the entire setup is taken care of. Of course, this includes navigating any anti-virus or security suite restrictions.
Unreliable Tracking, Blocking & Restriction features
Getting Qustodio to work properly on a Mac running OS Catalina was a nightmare.
From the get-go, we received multiple incompatibility notifications for Qustodio on Mac. The company itself even warns of this and does provide steps to take in order to get the software working as it should.
When we couldn’t get any tracking to work, Qustodio’s tech support recommended uninstalling antivirus software and then reinstalling it after. When this didn’t solve the issue, we gave up and requested a refund.
In our opinion, when you buy computer monitoring software you expect it to work out-the-box, as advertised. Unfortunately, Qustodio’s for Computer product falls short in this respect.
VPN Breaks Qustodio Browser Tracking
Qustodio’s computer tracking features (such as activity logging and website restrictions), work via a browser extension or plug-in.
The software does not monitor anything on the actual computer. You won’t be able to see what’s stored on the computer (multimedia), take screenshots, view network connections, or print activity.
If your child or employee decides to use a VPN, they would be able to break through Qustodio’s web filters on desktop browsers, rendering the feature useless.
The app can be disabled on a Windows PC if your child knows how to work the Task Manager. Worse, there’s no feature to alert you if your child tries to alter the settings on the app.
These settings can be changed on the monitored device itself. This is perhaps counterintuitive, especially for a parental control tool.
An Issue with the Time Limits Feature
Another limitation of Qustodio’s Time Limits Feature is how the software records time and user sessions.
For example, website navigation and device usage data are recorded from midnight to midnight, and not from the moment you activate the time rules. Furthermore, the user needs to log off the user session or turn off the computer for time to stop counting. A simple lock of the user session is not considered by Qustodio.
Discrepancies between Pricing & Features Offered
As we mentioned, Qustodio offers bundled pricing where you pay for features advertised to work on all devices — be it Android, iPhone, PC, or Mac.
The truth is that with most computer monitoring software, not all features will work on all devices.
For example one of Qustodio’s main features, ‘The Panic Button’, is advertised on every plan available in their marketing material.
In reality, the ‘panic button’ feature only works on specific Android devices. It does not work on iPhones, PCs, or Mac Computers. Yet, you will be paying the same price for a package that does not offer the same features on every device.
In another example, Qustodio combines all info for their Windows and Mac product into one. But will you get the same features on both platforms? This is usually not the case with most computer monitoring software, with many charging the same price for products that offer vastly different features. Unfortunately, after testing out their product- Qustodio is no different.
On the other hand, FlexiSPY is upfront about all features offered, with specifics on what will and won’t work on various platforms and OS.
Why FlexiSPY is the better alternative?
When it comes to features parents need to keep their children safe, Qustodio offers the bare minimum. Also, the software can be manipulated by children who know their way around a computer.
Qustodio focuses on the number of devices monitored. They market themselves to schools and businesses, not parents. This explains the lack of advanced features for their computer monitoring product, as no parent would be ok with a school spying on their children.
Guardians, on the other hand, have a responsibility and obligation to ensure their child’s safety. There’s a lot of dangerous stuff on the inter-web, and some of it might not be appropriate for your child. This is why FlexiSPY’s computer monitoring software is designed to be the most advanced parental control tool on the market.
Learn more about why FlexiSPY is the better alternative here.
FAQs
When Should I install Computer Monitoring Software?
An ideal scenario is to have the app installed, then give the device to your child. Make sure you talk to them about why you feel the software is necessary and let them know that as they grow older the monitoring parameters will change.
If your child already has a computer, then we recommend you install FlexiSPY when you notice problems or significant changes in your child’s behavior. Remember to always discuss monitoring with your child beforehand.
When Should I stop monitoring my child’s online activity?
It may be hard to gauge your child’s maturity and ability to handle their own online security. However, a good rule of thumb is to stop monitoring once your child turns 18 and appears happy, sociable, and responsible. Once they reach a certain age, continuing to monitor your young adult can alienate him/her and cause long-term estrangement.
What is the Best Parental Control App for Computers?
FlexiSPY’s complete suite of parental controls to supervise their child’s internet activity. Never worry again about what applications they install, what websites they visit, or who they chat with on IM or email.
Ever wondered about «Monitoring my child’s computer remotely without them knowing», or «How can I protect my children in a digital environment where regular computer use starts at such a young age?»
As a parent, you can’t help but worry
Is my child being exposed to things they shouldn’t be too soon?
Are they talking to strangers or cyber predators online?
Is he or she posting, sending, or sharing private information?
Are they making decisions that may come back to haunt them later in life?
Has their behavior changed due to cyberbullying?
These are questions all parents need to consider.
By the end of this article, you will have learned how to monitor your child’s computer discreetly, whether monitoring is really necessary, and what the best tool to monitor their computer is. Read on!
How can I Monitor my Child’s Computer Remotely?
Next, what actions can a parent take to be as informed as possible?
You can start by asking yourself:
How can I see what my kid is doing online?
Do I need Parental Control for computer?
What is the best internet monitoring software for parents?
As you are well aware, the parenting landscape has changed significantly in the past decade. This is in no small part due to a new wave of threats brought about by technology. Specifically, the internet and communication platforms where users are not verified or can remain anonymous.
Now more than ever, it’s important to monitor your child’s online activities with a Parental Control tool you can trust.
But first, is monitoring your child’s computer remotely necessary?
Is Monitoring my Child’s Computer Remotely Necessary or Overkill?
How to see what my kid is doing online? In this day and age, the measures a parent must take to secure their child’s well-being should be multi-faceted enough to detect and deal with most cyber-threats. A significant amount of which now stems from computer and internet use.
These include cyber-bullying, online predators, phishing, exposure to inappropriate content, online grooming, and other risks associated with kids and computer security. All of which are dangerous and come with serious repercussions.
Parents need a way to be there, without ‘actually’ being there — so to speak.
5 Signs You May Need Internet Monitoring Software for Parents
Another key point, how do you know it’s time to consider computer monitoring?
Does your child:
Spend much of their day on their computers?
Act secretively about their online conduct?
Close or change tabs whenever a parent is around?
Use sexual or explicit language unexpectedly?
Lastly, have they become emotionally volatile, unreasonable, or rebellious?
Often, a child may engage in dangerous or unwanted behavior that opens them up to risks without realizing it. A person with malicious intent has no problem posing as a child. Complete with a fake ID, photo, and a believable back story. You’d be surprised by how easy it is.
Fortunately, these predators have been caught. However, according to the FBI – there are an estimated 500,000 online predators active every day in the United States.
Additionally, the Bureau estimates that 460,000 children are reported missing every year in the US alone.
Average Missing Children Per Year: FBI
You can observe whether your child may be putting themselves at risk by keeping an eye out for the signs listed above.
In the next section, the infographic shows the latest Grooming & Online Predator Stats from the FBI.
Monitoring my Child’s Computer Remotely — What The Stats Say
You can stay informed of your child’s online behavior for their own good — for a period until you can be confident of their ability to recognize danger. And of course, until they have developed a certain maturity in their decision-making process.
This way, you can then give them the freedom that comes with growing up and taking responsibility for their own safety.
Until then, computer monitoring software can help give you the peace of mind every parent craves.
With Parental Control for Computers you can:
See what your child is doing online
Keep your child safe by keeping an eye on their digital environment and activity.
Unlike other computer monitoring software – FlexiSPY does not restrict or block access to programs or websites. Rather, parents monitor remotely and step in whenever necessary.
Openly Monitor or be Discreet
Once installed, FlexiSPY tracks all computers remotely.
Choose if you want the program to be hidden or visible, and approach Parental Control as you see fit.
Build Positive Digital Habits
Help your child develop a healthy relationship with technology in a controlled environment where the parent is in charge.
For example, you can Track Browser activity, YouTube Searches, Skype, MSN, E-mails, key logs, and capture all data on any PC or Mac Computer.
Best Way to Monitor your Child’s Computer Remotely — FlexiSPY for Computers
FlexiSPY is the world’s most powerful computer monitoring software. It is fully compatible with both PC and Mac OS and 100% parent-friendly.
FlexiSPY gives parents the option to monitor computer activity openly or discreetly. This flexibility is not available in other computer monitoring software in the same price range.
Furthermore, you can use FlexiSPY to view all keystrokes, searches, browser activity, emails, IM chats, files, and more.
FlexiSPY for Computers is the best way to monitor your child’s computer remotely.
To emphasize, FlexiSPY remotely monitors the target computer and records everything. All captured data is then uploaded to a secure online portal, where you can view usage and activity reports.
The main dashboard seen here provides a summary of the computer’s activities. Of course, with just one click you can hone in on key info and pick out what’s important.
FlexiSPY for Computers: Main Dashboard
FlexiSPY features can be divided into two main components:
The first is a set of Data that tracks all computer activity. For example, these include desktop chats, webchats, social media, browser activity, and more.
The second set of features are Alerts. Parents can customize alerts based on Keywords, File Transfers, and File Activity.
Altogether, these features let you know what’s happening on your child’s computer 24/7.
You can check out all FlexiSPY features in the table below:
FlexiSPY for Computers: Features
Get Started with FlexiSPY: The Best Parental Control & Internet Monitoring Software
Monitoring your child’s computer remotely is easier than you think if you know where to start.
What’s more, FlexiSPY installation is a relatively simple process.
If you are pressed for time or don’t want to deal with technicalities, we’ve got you sorted. FlexiSPY offers a worry-free installation service that can be purchased at check-out or as a standalone service.
To begin, follow these simple steps.
Purchase a FlexiSPY for Computers subscription (Limited time offer: Get it for FREE)
Did you know that FlexiSPY has more monitoring features than anyone on the market?
Parents use FlexiSPY’s complete suite of parental controls to supervise their child’s internet activity. Doing so means they never have to worry again about what applications they install, what websites they visit, or who they chat with on IM or email.
Normally available for $68/month, you can now get FlexiSPY for Computers for free! Read on to find out how.
Get FlexiSPY for Computers for FREE!?
For a Limited Time Only — FlexiSPY for Computers is free with any purchase of FlexiSPY EXTREME for Android or iPhone.
The Covid-19 Pandemic has meant that people young and old are spending more time at home than ever before. Whether it’s for working or learning from home, PC & Mac usage has never been higher.
With this purpose in mind, FlexiSPY has risen to this demand by giving parents our best monitoring software completely free of charge.
Here’s how to get FlexiSPY Computers Free!
All you have to do is buy FlexiSPY EXTREME for Android or iPhone. Then claim your free copy of FlexiSPY for Computers during checkout.
Find out more about FlexiSPY for Computers in detail here
Do you want to know how to spy on someones computer without them knowing? Then you’ll need the right tools – without the right monitoring software, you run the risk of the product not working as advertised, or worse – bricking your target PC or Mac.
In this article, we’ll show you how to:
Spy on a computer without them knowing
Track what someone is doing on the computer (track computer activity)
View another computer screen without them knowing
Monitor another computer without them knowing
Before proceeding, make sure you will be using monitoring software legally. Keep in mind that there are specific circumstances in which you can monitor a computer someone else uses on the regular.
Let’s begin by discussing who uses computer monitoring software, and why.
Why Spy on Someones Computer without them Knowing?
Remote Computer Monitoring is becoming more integral at home and for work.
Parents are choosing to monitor their children’s online activities to protect them from online dangers.
While employers want to know exactly how company-owned devices are being used when working from home, and how it affects productivity.
Parents Turn to Computer Monitoring to Protect their Kids
Because parents are legally responsible for their children, they have the authority to take any necessary measures to protect them from cyber threats.
As a kid gets older, it becomes harder and harder for you as a parent to monitor their time spent on the inter-web. That’s why many choose to get involved in their kid’s online activities by monitoring computer activity. This includes what they browse, who they communicate with, and what’s on or been on their screen.
Now, you don’t want to smother your child by restricting their access to the internet – what’s recommended is to keep an eye on their online activities from a safe distance. This is exactly where discreet monitoring software such as FlexiSPY for Computers comes in.
I Trust my Children – is Parental Control too much?
FlexiSPY software is designed for open communication Parental Control. We don’t support blocking objectionable material for children. Instead, parents should focus on teaching kids safe and responsible online behavior, while monitoring their internet use for red flags.
Next, let’s look at remote computer monitoring for employers, companies, and businesses.
The Rise of Remote Work & Computer Monitoring
Remote work is on the rise and with it the need to reliably track computer activity for work-from-home purposes.
The Covid-19 pandemic has meant that business owners and employers are being left in the dark about how much actual work their employees do when working remotely. To solve this, many companies are making the most of computer monitoring software to keep an eye on WFH employees and boost productivity.
I Trust my Employees — Is Employee Monitoring Necessary?
A recent study indicated that – the more hours employees work at home, the less productive they become.
Employees who worked full-time or 8-hour workdays were found to be 70% less productive than those who did not work from home.
Top-of-the-line computer monitoring apps such as FlexiSPY offer real-time activity tracking – providing employers with key decision-making insights. For example, they can set up scheduled or on-demand screenshots, track browser activity, key logs, e-mail monitoring, and several other useful features.
There is little need for companies or employers to be concerned about privacy laws data monitoring. As it’s expected that FlexiSPY for Computers would be installed on company-owned devices.
What to look for in a Computer Monitoring Software?
Are you looking to reliably track computer activity or view another computer screen without them knowing? If so, then you’ll need to make sure you invest in the right computer monitoring software.
The ones that offer the most value are often the most expensive – doing your own research by comparing what features you’ll get at what price points can help ensure you’ll be getting your money’s worth.
Here are some of the main things you should be looking for:
Features
We recommend you compare different monitoring software to find out which ones offer the most features for the best price. Not all software delivers on the promise to ‘spy on someones computer without them knowing’, despite their marketing.
It is recommended you do this research yourself by visiting each product’s features page – rather than reading a Top 10 List or product review. These can easily be paid for and do not always have the customer’s best interest in mind.
Are you looking to monitor a PC or a Mac? Not all computer monitoring software is compatible with both, while many that are do not offer the same set of features on the two operating systems.
Find out if FlexiSPY for Computers is compatible with your target computer here.
Customer Support Channels
It’s important to find out what customer support channels are available to help you after purchase.
How do you get help? Do they have a Live Chat, or can you only E-mail them? What happens if there’s a technical issue you need to be fixed fast? How soon will that help arrive, if at all?
The best computer monitoring software offers multiple support channels and a 24-hour Tech Ticket response guarantee.
Installation service
Of course, installing any software can be a daunting task for someone who doesn’t know their way around a computer.
That’s why FlexiSPY offers a Worry-Free Installation Service option for customers who prefer everything set up for them, for instance.
Software Reputation
When you buy computer monitoring software, you expect it to work as advertised. Unfortunately, not all monitoring apps can live up to the claims on their website or ads.
For this reason, be vigilant before confirming your payment and verify that the product will work as you need.
When it comes to computer monitoring, you could opt to pay less or to try something for free, such as installing a free keylogger. But how can you know for sure that the tool is not secretly siphoning and sending your data to a 3rd party? After all, it’s not uncommon for free apps to mine data without the user’s knowledge.
That’s why it’s best to stick with established, reputable companies that you know can be trusted with your money and data.
The Best Way to Spy on Someones Computer without them Knowing
Computer monitoring software is a great tool to have if you’re looking for a safety-first approach to parental control and employee monitoring.
Taking a proactive approach when it comes to monitoring your kids and employees means placing your budget where the dangers are most unknown – online and in cyberspace.
Using FlexiSPY for Computers, you can pinpoint all online threats, gather evidence, and focus on what you can do to improve online safety for your family or optimize employee productivity.
Here are some highlight features, with FlexiSPY you can:
Record Key Logs
Monitor Emails
View Browser History & Activity
Track File Transfers
Monitor USB Connections
View Network Connections
Track Print Jobs
Above all, FlexiSPY is your best option to spy on someones computer without them knowing.
Not convinced? Learn why FlexiSPY stands out from the rest here.
Spy on Someone’s Computer for Free!
FlexiSPY for Computers allows you to monitor any Mac or PC, so you can keep an eye on what your employee is doing or what your children are being taught.
And for a Limited Time Only — we are offering FlexiSPY for Computers for free with any purchase of FlexiSPY EXTREME for Android or iPhone.
During checkout, you will have the option to claim your free copy of FlexiSPY for Computers.
Learn how to read someone’s text messages without their phone. For example, you may be looking to monitor a child, employee, or partner — with their consent, of course.
Have you ever asked yourself how to:
get text messages from another phone sent to mine?
spy on someone’s phone without touching it?
track text messages on someone else’s phone for free?
read someones text messages without their phone?
This article will let you know how to read someone’s text messages without their phone, on both Android and iOS.
First, let’s take a quick look at why you should still be looking to Track Text Messages in today’s world of instant messaging.
Although SMS texting may appear to have gone down – it still represents a significant portion of communication around the world.
The need to be able to read someone’s text messages without their phone is more common than you think. In fact, there are plenty of use cases where you would want to be able to Spy on Text Messages on someone else’s phone.
We discuss a couple of them below.
SMS Tracking for Employers
Did you know, SMS text messages remain vital in places where internet infrastructure is not set up for real-time text transmissions over the Internet?
For example, in industries where data coverage is limited and reliable communication is a requirement. Such as companies that work in Private Security, Agriculture, or Oil & Gas.
Employers will find that tracking SMS on company devices provides a range of advantages, from risk management to data loss prevention and more.
SMS Tracking for Parents
Being able to read someone’s text messages without their phone is equally important for parents who want to keep their children safe. As you know, modern parenting requires modern tools. Many guardians have turned to SMS tracking to make sure their child is not up to any trouble or getting mixed in with the wrong crowd.
Do you have any reason to monitor your child’s text messages? For example, do you suspect them of dealing drugs or sexting with their uncle ‘Leonard’? Undoubtedly, it is always better to be proactive rather than wait for something to happen.
You can take preventative action by using monitoring software for Parental Control.
With FlexiSPY installed, you can track text messages of a target device remotely, monitor all instant messengers, as well as record calls and ambient sound!
Let’s get into how you can spy on someone’s text messages without their phone.
What’s the Best Way to Read Someone’s Text Message without their Phone?
FlexiSPY is the original and leading mobile monitoring software on the market.
The SMS Tracker itself is one of our most in-demand features.
After install, you will be able to read someone’s text messages without their phone and access a host of other features.
Specifically, here are a few things that make FlexiSPY the Best SMS Tracker on the market.
Here’s how to get FlexiSPY:
Purchase FlexiSPY via Card, Bank Transfer, or Cryptocurrency (Payment Options)
View and Data from inside your FlexiSPY Portal (Demo)
With FlexiSPY installed, you can:
See target’s SMS inbox and sent messages
Read full contents of all messages
See details such as contact names and numbers associated with SMS messages
Get time and date stamps
After FlexiSPY is installed, you can see data such as SMS Text messages, call logs & recordings, photos & videos, instant messenger chats, and more!
It normally takes less than an hour to get set up with FlexiSPY.
Note: YOU MUST have physical access to the Target Device for software installation.
Spy on Someone’s Text Messages (Android Solution)
You can Spy on text messages on an Android phone remotely – but first, you must have physical access to install FlexiSPY. There is absolutely no way to track someone’s Android without installing software on the phone first.
Any product that claims to do so is misleading or downright facetious.
As mentioned earlier the FlexiSPY process is straightforward – we even offer an installation service for customers who prefer to sit back and relax, while everything is set up for them.
With FlexiSPY installed on an Android device, you will be able to monitor all data in or out of the phone, including SMS text messages. Which you can then access to view and download in your secure online portal.
FlexiSPY for Android comes with over 50+ Android monitoring features. Spy on everything from real-time location to recorded phone calls with our industry-leading Android Spy App.
Spy on Someone’s Text Messages (iOS Solution)
With FlexiSPY, you can spy on SMS text messages on any iOS target device remotely.
However, as with Android, you will need physical access to install the software.
Some competitors offer an iCloud spy app solution which they refer to as a “No-Jailbreak” solution – a title designed to mislead. By referring to the solution as a No-Jailbreak solution and deliberately avoiding the mention of iCloud and are intentionally misleading customers.
Due to a recent 2FA security patch implemented by Apple — no-Jailbreak (iCloud) solutions no longer function properly. This setting CANNOT be turned off. And has rendered no-jailbreak I cloud solutions useless. You can learn more about these scams here.
What’s certain is that FlexiSPY is currently the world’s only way to spy on an iPhone.
FlexiSPY for iPhone has over 50+ iPhone monitoring features — spy on real-time location, recorded phone calls, and more with our industry-leading iPhone Spy App.
Protect your Business and Family with FlexiSPY
Concerned about who your child might be texting via SMS? Or are you an employer who needs to track messages sent on company phones? Then FlexiSPY is an ideal choice.
Beyond the SMS Tracker – FlexiSPY offers a host of other useful features to help protect your business and keep your family safe.
Here are some features that complement the SMS tracker.
Instant Messenger Tracking
See all instant messages, including multimedia and attachments sent and received on the most popular platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, LINE, Skype, Facebook Messenger, WeChat & more.
Browser Tracking
Track all Browser history and activity in real-time.
Know the exact date, time visited, and duration of each page visit on the most popular browsers including Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari.
Location Tracking
One of the most useful features for parents and employers is GPS Location tracking lets you know exactly where the target device is.
Locations are updated automatically and can also be refreshed on-demand, you can also set up Geo-fencing to receive alerts when the device leaves an area you specify.
Call Logs & Call Recording
View all call logs to flag risky behavior and nip them in the bud.
Listen to and download audio recordings of each call – providing you with all the evidence you need to be used as required.
Ambient Recording
Remotely activate a target device’s microphone and record audio surroundings. You can choose to record on-demand or set specific times to record – all files are uploaded to be your secure online dashboard.
Ambient recording is one of the most powerful tools on the market and is one of FlexiSPY’s many advanced features along with Live Call Interception, Call Recording, Remote Camera, & Remote Video.
Dashboard Alerts
Set up Dashboard Alerts to receive notifications and make sure won’t miss out on any important information.
Assign Caller ID to track all incoming and outgoing calls, set up Keyword Alerts for when a word or key phrase appears in any application, and Location Alerts for when the target device enters or leaves a specified area.
How to spy on someone’s phone without touching it?
To spy on someone’s phone without touching it, first, you must install FlexiSPY – a monitoring and parental control software used around the world to protect families and businesses.
Learn more about why FlexiSPY is your best option to spy on someone’s phone without touching it here.
How to track text messages on someone else phone for free?
You can track text messages on someone else’s phone with FlexiSPY. The monitoring software however starts at $29.95
To track and monitor text messages:
Check if your target device is compatible with FlexiSPY
Install & activate FlexiSPY
FlexiSPY will log all incoming and outgoing SMS text messages
They can then be viewed or downloaded on your secure online portal.
You can use FlexiSPY to monitor SMS text messages on any Android or iOS device. Keep track of text messages can help you protect your business and family.
Does FlexiSPY have any other SMS features?
With FlexiSPY, users can also send Spoof SMS — a unique feature of our mobile spy app.
A Spoof SMS is a fake text message that users can send from the target phone to another device. After you install FlexiSPY on the target device, you can remotely control that phone to send an SMS to any number you choose. The spoof text looks like other text messages from the phone, except that there is no evidence of it in the target’s outbox.
mSpy has introduced Localize, a partner software that claims to track GPS location worldwide simply by entering the number you want to locate.
This sounds great from a marketing perspective, but does it really work? And if it does, is it reliable? In this review, we look at how Localize works, explore limitations and determine whether it is worth your time or money.
How do you get Localize?
Currently, the only way to get Localize through mSpy is to subscribe to their mailing list.
We received an invite to try Localize via a mSpy email — it is not advertised anywhere on the mSpy website, perhaps for good reason as we found out during testing that revealed several limitations.
Pricing
mSpy’s Localize offers a 3-day trial for $1.19 – after which you will be charged $36.6 per month.
If you are unsatisfied with the paid trial, make sure you cancel your subscription within 72 hours to avoid getting charged the monthly fee.
How Localize Works?
To get the target device location, you are required to send an SMS to the target device using the Localize dashboard – the SMS then needs to be opened, and the location tracking request accepted.
Localize gives users the option to send a custom message, or choose from a predetermined list as seen here.
The device owner then gets an SMS sent to their phone with the message selected. The device owner is then prompted to accept the tracking request.
If the person was away from the device, not paying attention, or was not told beforehand to expect such an SMS, the request will most likely be ignored completely.
As you can see in screenshots taken from Localize’s FAQ and during product testing — the device owner’s consent is vital to the product working at all. Otherwise, you’ll be paying Localize a hefty premium to simply send text messages, even if they were unlimited.
This limitation also means that if you misplace your own phone and want to use Localize to track its’ location, you wouldn’t be able to. The only scenario where you could retrieve your device is if a stranger finds it, sees the SMS, and accepts the tracking request.
Why use Localize?
So despite the limitations, is mSpy’s Localize useful and reliable enough to be worth $36 a month?
Consider this.
If you are looking to track a device and already have the owner or child’s consent to do so, why would you not simply call the person and ask, or use a reliable personal tracker?
If you are looking to track your own device if it goes missing — what would be the difference between sending an SMS request to track location and calling or texting the phone asking for it to be returned? In these types of scenarios, Localize offers little to no value.
So while mSpy’s Localize may appear useful for Parental Control or tracking a lost phone, the requirement that the device holder must physically accept a location track is a real dealbreaker for our test team.
The next section summarizes some of Localize’s most obvious drawbacks.
Limitations of the Software
You will not be able to track device location with Localize if the:
device owner is busy and does not see the SMS with the tracking request
device owner sees the SMS but does not open it due to an unknown source
device owner ignores or rejects the request despite knowing who is contacting them
target device is turned off or runs out of power
target’s GPS location setting is turned off
user does not have internet to connect to Localize Dashboard
Track Location in Real-time with FlexiSPY
At $34 a month, mSpy’s Localize is overpriced for a product that offers one feature not guaranteed to work – especially when the target device owner does not expect or consent to having their whereabouts tracked.
On the other hand — FlexiSPY’s intro package, LITE, is available for just $29.95/mo. This plan includes discreet GPS tracking, Keylogging, SMS capturing, Photo and Video capturing. It can also be upgraded to include Advanced Features such as Call Recording and Ambient Recording at any time.
Yes, FlexiSPY does require you to install the software physically, however you will get numerous useful features including real-time GPS tracking with Geo-Fencing Alerts.
And if the device’s GPS data is turned off, you can use FlexiSPY’s WIFI Spy App to track their location by seeing what WIFI the device is or was last connected to. You can then enter the WIFI location into Google Maps and know exactly where they are.
Why FlexiSPY?
FlexiSPY is compatible with Android, iOS, PC & Mac, find your target device here.
Worry-free installation service, schedule a booking here.
If you’d like trade-in your mSpy Localize subscription for FlexiSPY, see here.
To find out more about why FlexiSPY is your best choice, see here.
FAQs about mSpy’s Localize
Is Localize an mSpy product?
We emailed Localize support directly to try and figure out why Localize was not being advertised on mSpy’s website or any of their ads, but only available through direct email invite.
Ultimately, it would appear mSpy’s Localize is not yet a ready product and is still in Beta as indicated by their customer service below.
Given that the product costs $36.6 a month for one feature that may or may not work — the location cannot be obtained if the device owner does not accept the tracking request– you may want to hold off on comitting to mSpy’s affiliated product until it is ready to, ‘meet requirements’ as they put it.
Is my credit card information safe with mSpy’s Localize?
As seen in this screenshot from the FAQ section on the Localize website, the company does have a data protection policy in place to protect your information. However, since they are sharing customer data with mSpy — who have an appalling track record when it comes to safeguarding their customer’s information, having suffered major data breaches in 2015, then again in 2018 – you may want to learn more about mSpy’s history of data leaks here.
Can I use mSpy’s Localize to track a lost device?
You can use mSpy’s Localize to track a lost device if you are a telepathic astral rocker that can pinpoint the nearest stranger to your lost phone, then send subliminal messages communicating with them to pick up the phone and accept the tracking request.
Can I use mSpy’s Localize to track my kids?
You can use mSpy’s Localize to track your kids only if they are informed of and consent to the tracking conditions for Localize to work.
Localize to work as advertised if:
Your child consents to tracking
Your child has the device on them at all times
Your child pays attention to the incoming SMS tracking request
The target device has battery and is turned on
The target device has a signal to receive the SMS tracking request
If Localize does not work as advertised, can I rely on mSpy’s Customer service to help me?
mSpy offers live chat and email support for customers, and so it is safe to assume they would also provide support to clients of their partner software.
However, when we enquired about Localize, what it is and how it works — mSpy’s Live Chat provided an answer that did not build any confidence in the product, leading to more questions than answers — especially raising doubts whether reliable support that can be expected post-purchase.
If mSpy’s customer service is unable to solve your problem, then you can choose to contact Localize. However, please be aware that they have a 31-day reply policy so timely support is not to be expected.
The Verdict?
If you’re not looking to waste your time or money we recommend unsubscribing.
The one-week subscription provides plenty of flexibility, allowing you to pause your subscription and restart at any time, while giving you the most powerful version of FlexiSPY — FlexiSPY EXTREME.
Available for just $19.99 — this product is easy on wallet yet packed with FlexiSPY EXTREME’s unique features, which you won’t find with any other competitor, including favorites such as Live Listening, Ambient Recording, and Facetime Call Recording.
Finally, sign up to our monthly newsletter below to receive an exclusive discount code you can use on new purchases or renewals in the next edition of the monthly newsletter we send out!
FlexiSPY has just released Call Recording for Android 10 devices!
You can now remotely record calls to and from the latest Android devices and conveniently download them from your FlexiSPY dashboard to listen immediately.
See what FlexiSPY for Android can do for you here.
View a full list of monitoring features available for Android 10 devices here.
Confirm compatibility for your Android 10 device here.
Please note that Call Recording will work on most of the latest Android devices — however, it is not yet compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Samsung Galaxy S10. Also, note that Call Recording will require Rooting to work on Android 10 devices.
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