How to Monitor Internet Usage-Best Monitoring Software

Are you fully aware of how your employees are using the Internet at work? Can you confidently say there are no potential productivity losses or security risks? 

If your answer isn’t a resounding ‘Yes’. Then I believe this blog post was created for you.  

Monitoring internet activity in the workplace has become crucial in today’s digital landscape. Every business, no matter the size or scale, operates in one form or the other using the Internet. 

And in order to ensure productivity, protect sensitive company data, and also manage bandwidth, there has to be a reliable internet monitoring method (an internet monitoring software) in place. 

Briefly, we will explore the significance of employee internet usage monitoring in the workplace, to ensure productivity and security. We will also highlight the best employee monitoring software solutions that can help you effectively manage online activities and safeguard your business.

Types of Internet Usage to Monitor

There are several types of internet usage that can be monitored in the workplace, and depending on the specific needs and requirements of your organization, these types might vary. 

However, here are the most common types of internet usage to monitor:

• Websites Visited: Monitoring the websites visited by employees can provide insights into their online activities, helping to identify any excessive or unauthorized website visits that may impact the flow of operations.
• Applications Used: Monitoring the usage of specific applications or software that require internet access can provide visibility into how these tools are being utilized and whether they are being used for work-related tasks.
• Data Uploads/Downloads: Monitoring file uploads or downloads, can help employers to completely be aware of all data transfers, especially those that may pose security risks or violate company policies.
• Social Media Activity: Monitoring social media activity can help identify those employees who are excessively using social media during work hours.
• Email Communications: Monitoring email communications can help ensure that employees are using company email accounts for work-related purposes and are not engaging in any unauthorized or inappropriate email activities.
• File Sharing: Monitoring file-sharing activities can help identify any unapproved  (either intentional or unintentional) transfer of company files that may pose security risks or violate company policies.
• Bandwidth Usage: Monitoring overall bandwidth usage can help detect any excessive or unwarranted bandwidth consumption that may impact network performance and impede work productivity.

It’s important to note that the types of internet usage to be monitored should be in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies, and must be clearly communicated to employees in order to establish transparency and trust.

Choosing the Best Monitoring Software

When choosing the best monitoring software for your company or organization, it’s important to consider factors such as the required features of your ideal software, its customization options, its data security policies, customer support availability, and its industry reputation.

Based on the above-mentioned criteria, here are five of the best internet monitoring software to use in 2023.

Kickidler

Although we’re not using a ranking system, Kickidler is notably the best employee internet monitoring software on our list, based on features and overall utility.

Kickidler offers a wide range of monitoring features, which include website and application tracking, keystroke logging, time tracking, and employee productivity analysis. 

It is also a screen monitoring software that provides real-time monitoring and recording of employee activities, allowing for detailed insights into employee behavior and productivity.

Teramind

If you’re familiar with computer monitoring software, then you must have heard of or seen Teramind before.

Teramind is a leading monitoring software known for its advanced features, including website monitoring, application usage tracking, email monitoring, keystroke logging, and many more. 

With an intuitive user-friendly interface, Teramind makes it easy to set up, configure, and use, providing a detailed and organized view of employees’ internet activities. 

ActivTrak

ActivTrak is another reliable and feature-rich employee tracking system that offers comprehensive monitoring capabilities

Its arsenal contains features such as website and application tracking, productivity analysis, and alerts, making it a robust solution for monitoring employee internet usage in the workplace.

VeriClock 

VeriClock is a flexible monitoring software that specializes in time tracking and employee attendance management. 

It provides an easy-to-use and reliable solution for tracking and monitoring employee hours and productivity.

Hubstaff

Hubstaff is a  versatile monitoring software that provides a seamless and efficient way to monitor and optimize employee productivity in real-time, through its utilization of time tracking, activity monitoring, and productivity analysis.

The Importance of Establishing Clear Policies Around Internet Usage and Monitoring

Organizations that lack clear policies around internet usage and monitoring are at risk of facing serious consequences. Here are the reasons why:

• Decreased productivity: Without established policies, employees may engage in excessive or inappropriate internet usage during work hours, leading to distractions and reduced productivity.
• Legal risks: The absence of clear guidelines can result in inadvertent violations of employee privacy rights, leading to potential legal liabilities, fines, and reputational damage for the organization.
• Employee conflicts: Misunderstandings or conflicts may arise between employers and employees due to unclear policies, leading to mistrust, lower morale, and decreased job satisfaction.

It is crucial for organizations to have well-defined policies in place to mitigate these risks and ensure responsible internet usage in the workplace.

User Cases of Monitoring Internet Usage

Monitoring internet usage can be beneficial in various cases and scenarios, including:

1. To Boost Employee Productivity: Organizations can monitor Internet usage to ensure that employees are spending their work hours on productive tasks and not engaging in excessive or inappropriate personal Internet activities.
2. To Secure and Protect Data: Monitoring internet usage can help you detect and prevent potential security breaches, such as unauthorized access to sensitive data, downloading of malware, or visiting malicious websites.
3. To Enforce Policy Compliance: Monitoring Internet usage can also help you enforce employee compliance with company policies and industry regulations related to Internet usage, such as restrictions on accessing certain websites or downloading unauthorized software.
4. To Ensure Resource Optimization: Monitoring internet usage can provide insights into bandwidth usage and identify any excessive or non-work-related internet activities that may impact network performance or resource allocation.
5. To Meet Legal and HR requirements: Monitoring internet usage can be used for legal and HR purposes, such as investigating potential harassment, discrimination, or other misconduct cases, as well as monitoring adherence to workplace policies and procedures.
6. To Manage Remote Workforce: With the increasing trend of remote work, monitoring internet usage can help organizations ensure that remote employees are utilizing their work hours effectively and responsibly, regardless of their location.

About Kickidler

Kickidler is a comprehensive employee monitoring software that provides organizations with powerful tools to enhance productivity, optimize employee performance, and ensure responsible internet usage in the workplace. 

With a range of features and solutions, Kickidler offers a robust solution for businesses of all sizes. Some of the key features of Kickidler include: 

• Time tracking
• Activity monitoring
• Productivity analysis, and 
• Remote monitoring. 

It allows employers to track employees’ time spent on various tasks, monitor their computer activities, and generate detailed reports for performance analysis. 

Kickidler also offers real-time monitoring, screenshot capturing, and keystroke logging, providing employers with a comprehensive overview of employee activities.

In addition to monitoring, Kickidler also offers solutions for attendance tracking, project management, and employee communication, making it a versatile tool for managing workforce productivity. 

It is a pc monitoring software equiped with various alerts and notifications systems, to help employers stay informed about potential productivity issues or policy violations

As for pricing, Kickidler offers flexible plans tailored to the needs of different organizations, including monthly and annual subscriptions. Pricing may vary based on the number of employees and features required. Additionally, Kickidler offers a free trial period for users to explore its features before committing to a subscription.

Overall, Kickidler is a feature-rich employee monitoring software that provides organizations with the tools and solutions to effectively monitor and manage internet usage in the workplace, optimize productivity, and ensure responsible employee behavior.