Worst icon ever: Tech support is watching you

I'm telling tales out of school a little bit with this, but I just can't keep quiet about it anymore. There's an icon in my office machine's system tray that's bothering me no end.  It's for a corporate tech support program called UltraVNC, which, according to its website, allows support technicians to "display the screen of another computer (via internet or network) on your own screen. The program allows you to use your mouse and keyboard to control the other PC remotely."

Excellent! Some anonymous guy, in a small, dark room in who knows where, can watch what I'm doing on my computer whenever he wants. Sure, realistically, this is not my computer, so whoever owns it should be able to look at what I'm doing. But seriously, to announce this fact by placing a monolithic, unblinking eye on my desktop seems a little overkill.

Yes, if you're wondering, I uninstalled the program -- three times, actually -- but every time I restart, it's reinstalled itself. It's like some kind of bad horror movie, where eventually the guy throws the computer out the window, but as soon as he gets back to his desk, it's there again, broken screen and all.

Well, just for that, I'm going to completely stop doing anything that could be potentially embarrassing on my office computer. Ever again. How do you like them apples, eye-con?

— David Sarno

Comments

[DWP]

Yes I have the same software on my computer, however the logo on mine is a benign corporate logo. At least you KNOW you are being watched! I think the eye of Sauron would be more effective, but I guess there are copyright issues?

[Answerman]

U have no idea on how it even works do you? in order for someone to take over your PC, YOU have to grant the IT dept or person the right to access or take over your PC, let´s say U are having a problem with a program ... instead of explaining you how to fix this they remotely conect to your pc, they sen d a pop up mesage asking you if you would LET them access the contents of your PC.... he will then have your PC screen in front of him, they will fix the issue themselfs instead of being physically there... so it is fine it´s not like they are accessing your info like that. It´s against the law for some stranger to look at your personal files, even if the owner of the PC is the company you are working for... pls inform yourself a little better before posting... thanks.