Security threats over the internet are real. So is the need to track the enemy. Who knows that better than intelligence agencies? But does that mean they the only authorities using such software applications for the greater good? No way! A recent Chinese attempt (http://chinaview.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/china-said-will-cooperate-with-germany-to-resolve-the-pc-hacked-matter/) to break into German computers startled Chancellor Angela Merkel enough to report the matter to the Chinese authorities in her recent visit to Beijing.

Now that debate is hot on Germany's action on the home front to remote access terrorists' computers (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6973018.stm) through spyware, the question of cyber-security (or lack of it) continues to be in the limelight.

Cyber security and the use of spyware go hand in hand when trying to sabotage a corporate employee's attempt to leak sensitive data, or knowing that time is wasted in non-productive areas such as web surfing, etc. Governments and corporate companies cannot risk ignorance!

Companies are aware that the worst threats come from within their own system. But suspecting all employees creates an unhealthy environment of distrust. So there is a need for sophisticated spyware, that keeps a tab on all happenings on the company's computer screens.

A simple keylogger could help by informing the employer of such unethical activity, and also reduce the waste of time in monitoring, which is always an important element for an employer. In reading the reviews, and going by the aces earned by Webwatcher and Sonar at http://www.wellresearchedreviews.com/computer-monitoring/WebWatcher.html, http://www.thomassecurityconsulting.com/webwatcher_page1.html and http://www.monitoringsoftwarereviews.org:80/, distrust of employees can now take a backseat. With remote access to employee's desktop/laptop, with screenshots and keylogger in real time to track every activity on the computer, including web surfing, shopping, IM and emails, nothing is left to the imagination. Amazing accomplishment! To add to this, the employer can actually block sites, and never have to physically access the watched computer! Distance does nothing to create a gap. All data is available at the employer's personal website to view at leisure. But, what about the time wasted in monitoring? No sweat. Search words highlight only the areas of interest.

With such hi-end technology available, it comes as no surprise that governments choose to use remote access software to keep track of suspects!

As Webwatcher and Sonar turn into useful assistants for the bigwigs, parents use it (link to http://www.awarenesstech.com/Parental/Testimonials.html) to live up to their parenting instincts, protecting their children from the bad guys, porn, drugs, etc., or whatever/whomever is trying to corrupt the innocent mind. It goes to say that crime is on the rise using the worldwide web, but it is good news that solutions of preventing it are also available. Invisibility on the accessed computer is the most enticing feature in Webwatcher. It shows nowhere, not in Add/Remove program files, not in spam, not anywhere! Super easy to install! Mom may be at work, but she knows exactly where her child may be at risk on the computer at home.

Even school authorities get a larger ambit to rule with Sonar (http://www.awarenesstechnologies.com/features.html) access to the school computers. There's no denying that Webwatcher and Sonar truly give greater power for the greater good. All activity is watched and harmful activities can be blocked. Wow! Guardian angels for children get a new avatar on the internet.

Guarding family and relationships (http://www.truthaboutdeception.com/catch_cheating/public/catch-cheating-spouse.html) is always at the back of one's mind, but when the question of spouse fidelity disturbs the mind, non-intrusive software (http://www.awarenesstech.com/Cheating/) becomes an asset. No ugly questions asked. Facts lie open as every keystroke, every email, every IM conversation and more is captured for posterity.

Where the corporate honcho may be busy securing confidential business data, a husband or a wife may be guarding the spouse from straying, and parents and school authorities keeping kids away from potential trouble, law enforcement agencies and governments are also optimizing security, thanks to super smart remote access software applications, also known by the generic term, spyware. It is a current favorite because of its utility in arresting security issues in the bud.

Agreed, spyware is being maliciously used, as in the Chinese attempt to take over German echelons of power, including the Chancellor's office, but does that mean that retaliation in kind is taboo? Says who? Intercepting terrorist's plans is crucial to people's security, across the globe. The better informed law enforcement agencies are on terrorist planning, the greater would be the safety for the citizens. Meanwhile, nothing stops us from using high end spyware for personal and business security? More power to software and its benefactors! Cheers!