Why You Should Avoid Keystroke-Logging Timekeeping Tools
- ariannepoblete
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
Timekeeping software is supposed to make work easier, not riskier. Yet some passive time capture tools rely on keystroke logging (or key-logging) to track user activity. While this approach may sound thorough, it introduces significant cybersecurity and privacy concerns.
❔ What is Keylogging?
It is the practice of recording every keystroke made on a device. Some timekeeping AI uses it purportedly for in-depth monitoring of user activity and productivity analysis.
⚠️ The Hidden Dangers of Passive Time Capture
Sensitive Data Exposure: Keyloggers can capture everything you type, from passwords, financial info, private chats, and potentially medical data.
Attorney-Client Privilege Risk: Monitoring tools may compromise protected communications if not properly configured. Large volumes of keystroke data are already a principal target for hackers, which puts you at constant risk.
GDPR/CCPA Implications: For organizations serving clients in Europe or California, the strict rules around collecting personal data could trigger fines or lawsuits if handled improperly.
Third-Party Risk: If monitoring tools are cloud-based, third-party vendors are used to store the data, which introduces more vulnerability. Even if the internal systems are secure, the vendor’s practices might not be.
Privacy Intrusion: Studies show many employees see intense monitoring as intrusive. A 2022 Morning Consult survey found 47% of tech employees said they would consider quitting if their employer started to track keystrokes.
⚖️ Legal Cases You Can't Ignore
In 2009 , Brahmana v. Lembo, an employer used a keylogger to obtain a password to an employee’s personal email and then accessed the account. The case was allowed to proceed under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (Lakhani).
A more recent case happened in 2015. SpectorSoft (now Veriato) settled with the Federal Trade Commission after employers allegedly used its keystroke-logging software to monitor workers secretly (Hori).
🔒 A better Approach
Timekeeping AI should capture your work activity, but not every keystroke. By focusing on apps used, documents accessed, and time spent in context, firms can achieve accurate billing and productivity insights without creating massive cybersecurity liabilities.
That’s exactly why we built Mira for you. Mira works closely with Microsoft and delivers reliable passive time capture with a privacy-first design, protecting sensitive data while still recovering lost billable hours. Choose AI tools that respect your privacy. Accurate. Secure. Trusted. That’s the future of timekeeping.
Lakhani, Poonam. 2024. “Ever Feel like Someone Is Watching You?” The Prinz Law Firm. September 27, 2024. https://www.prinz- lawfirm.com/our-blog/2024/september/ever-feel-like-someone-is-watching-you-perhaps-y/.
Hori, Adrian. 2024. “Key Loggers and Data Privacy Issues: An In-Depth Analysis.” Captain Compliance. July 2024. https://captaincompliance.com/education/key-loggers-and-data-privacy-issues-an-in-depth-analysis/.
💡 Still curious how MIRA can help your team improve time management and billing accuracy while ensuring privacy?
Book a demo today: https://www.miranow.ai/booking
