Is it possible my co-worker can spy from her computer?

I know there is software you can buy on a lot of spytech-type of websites that enables you to download the program onto the victim's computer (and the icon remains invisible!), and then the psycho can view it from theirs.

We are networked at work. Psycho co-worker takes over the front desk when I'm at lunch, on vacation , etc. I log off (no restart) so that she can log on using her id and password, thereby bringing up the basic programs she needs to do her job, as well as the internet.

Given the situation, is it possible for this kind of spying to be done? Our IT guy said "theoretically, yes" but he doesn't know much about it. And, if so, how can I possibly know for sure if the icon is "invisible"?

My cursor moves by itself a few times a day, when I'm on the internet. I never noticed whether it moves when I'm out of it.

I won't take up your time explaining my (justified) paranoia, but I will say my co-worker knows things that can only be accessed in my personal folders on my computer. IT-guy has changed my password a few times after I noticed she was watching me type it in. So I don't think that's the issue, though it may have been in the past before I wised up.

Thanks so much for your help!

 

A bit of wandering can sometimes happen with optical mice, depending on the surface they are placed on.

I am suprised at the suggested disparity in computer proficiency between workers on your network. Why would anyone proficient enough to do what you are suggesting work at your level (no disrespect meant)?

It is certainly possible for workers on a network to log onto the desktop of another pc on that network - you don't require special software just knowledge.
However, as Tim said, you also need the password.

 

If you have any suspicions just bring it up with your IT guy. I'm a sysadmin too and I don't give my standard users install rights which is usually how most IT people have their users set up if they can help it.

Like studiot said you need passwords but you also need a certain level of access rights which a good IT department wouldn't just hand out easily.

 

Thanks for your replies.

studiot - I wasn't offended. I know I'm a step up from the janitor. lol

Since you asked, it has nothing to do with company-related documents. We have all discovered that she is a compulsive liar (and a poor one at that). I don't know if she's so far gone that she doesn't realize she's lying, or if she's that manipulative. Regardless, she knew I got a traffic ticket though I told no one; and she "happened" to be in the bathroom when 3 different co-workers revealed their salaries over their cell phones in the next stall (on different days, of course). This is her hobby, I guess. Not knowing what she plans to do with the info is what's scary. I've even wondered if she has planted a tape recorder somewhere.

Anyway, I could give you loads of examples, but this isn't the proper venue (obviously) and it would take me a week to list them all.

Thanks again!

 

Remote access/remote desktop is built into/part of Windows.
Your IT guy probably uses it, as I do, for legitimate maintenance purposes.

If the administrator passwords are compromised, he is wasting his time changing personal ones.

Have another chat with him.

 

Remote access can really mess up your machine if done to be mean.
Delete important files, change settings and appointments, many different ways.