Install it in a linux virtual machine, if they don't have a Linux agent ... Too bad, because you don't have Windows or Mac. If they have a Linux agent it will be running only inside the vm.
Ask HN: My client want an agent on my laptop. Is this the new normal?
141–150 of 506 posts
Re: Ask HN: My client want an agent on my laptop. Is this the new normal?
#142This is legitimate when working with sensitive data even as a contractor. I have seen it a lot with fintech clients. In that case though they should provide a company laptop. I would never ever install something like this on my personal laptop.
> This is legitimate when working with sensitive data
I work with code. Not data.
I don't have access to production systems. I do too many mistakes, and I admit it. Just last month I killed the wrong k8s cluster ;)
Re: Ask HN: My client want an agent on my laptop. Is this the new normal?
#143There is no justification for your client to even remotely think you should install this tool. - It's a massive breach of trust (I'd consider just asking for that tool a testament of no trust at all, irrepairable actually) - The job market gives them zero bargaining power If it comes "out of the blue" like you say, chances are it's being driven by a new guy. You'd do yourself and your client a huge favor by immediate…
> being driven by a new guy.
It is.
Problem is, I like code. I don't like politics. I'm not good with people.
Re: Ask HN: My client want an agent on my laptop. Is this the new normal?
#144Maybe they could supply you with a secure VM with the agent installed? So you can separate their work from other activities.
Re: Ask HN: My client want an agent on my laptop. Is this the new normal?
#145Earlier quoted context omitted.
> If you want to ship me a dedicated laptop for your engagement, I would be happy to install whatever you want on it And they will install a trojan which would eavesdrop your talks, scan your home network and analyze its traffic.
Capture traffic and sue the f outta everything they do that‘s not covered by a contract. Someone has to start stopping this madness and protect less informed people. We are all steering into a dark future. And i lose hope when i see all these smart programmers complaining but not stepping up.
> Capture traffic and sue the f outta everything they do that‘s not covered by a contract.
Whatever the app they would ask you to install would do probably is going to be allowed by its EULA (and I bet the EULA is also going to prohibit you from analyzing the app and whatever it does/communicates) and chances are you don't read it. And even if you do you most probably agree because you know all EULAs are brutal and there never is a button to object its specific part and continue.
What we need is legislation to recognize all the data and metadata about your PC, all its software, your home networks&devices and their usage a kind of personal data and apply the same rules GDPR applies to tracking cookies - giving you the right to continue without agreeing to be spied on.
Re: Ask HN: My client want an agent on my laptop. Is this the new normal?
#146If your client can tell you how to work, you're not a freelancer. Go get some employment benefits
Re: Ask HN: My client want an agent on my laptop. Is this the new normal?
#147Earlier quoted context omitted.
Capture traffic and sue the f outta everything they do that‘s not covered by a contract. Someone has to start stopping this madness and protect less informed people. We are all steering into a dark future. And i lose hope when i see all these smart programmers complaining but not stepping up.
> Capture traffic and sue the f outta everything they do that‘s not covered by a contract. Whatever the app they would ask you to install would do probably is going to be allowed by its EULA (and I bet the EULA is also going to prohibit you from analyzing the app and whatever it does/communicates) and chances are you don't read it. And even if you do you most probably agree because you know all EULAs are brutal and t…
EULA has nothing to do with this. Question is whether software installed by company you’re working for spies on you in ways you haven’t agreed to. If so, sue them, not the co that wrote the spyware.
Re: Ask HN: My client want an agent on my laptop. Is this the new normal?
#148Sounds like you'll be purchasing a new laptop for that client and bill them for the price of the laptop, and several additional hours on maintaining said laptop.
I'd also throw in whatever equipment is needed to VLAN all of that away from everything else in your home. Even a second internet connection and router seems reasonable.
Re: Ask HN: My client want an agent on my laptop. Is this the new normal?
#149Earlier quoted context omitted.
> If you want to ship me a dedicated laptop for your engagement, I would be happy to install whatever you want on it. I wouldn't offer this. You're still going to need to login to Github/email/wherever with your personal password, manage private keys, and stuff like that. Just say no.
I’d like to say no, but I’m not sure it’s an unreasonable request. I’ve recently been contracting and the only private account I used was GitHub, and that was a conscious decision to maintain a single public developer identity. Otherwise, I expected them to provide all hardware and software required to perform my role. And likewise, for security purposes, that’s exactly what they wanted as well. Tho I would note, the…
Why not make a Virtual Desktop for your Developers instead of ~forcing them to install crap-ware.
Re: Ask HN: My client want an agent on my laptop. Is this the new normal?
#150Do you object outright to spyware, or to the client wanting to run their spyware on your equipment? It sounds like the spyware is non negotiable and I personally wouldn’t have issue with it if the client also provides a laptop on which to run it . The client is free to do whatever the hell they like with their own hardware . What’s objectionable about situations like this is the client wanting to have their spyware c…
And most peoples home network wont be able to support VLAN's and would your employer be more worried about your ISP provided router - hmm must really replace that huawei router on my network.