How some federal employees pretend to work using “mouse jigglers”

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A recent report from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) revealed disciplinary actions against nearly 100 employees for various breaches, including serious criminal acts.

The most severe incidents included drugging and raping two foreigners, illegal sales of Canadian mission cars and a senior executive sending inappropriate selfies to women. As a result, 20 employees were terminated, though GAC determined that nearly 100 of its employees had committed breaches last fiscal year.

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Those breaches ranged from administrative issues to criminal activities, according to the June 21 report. Some federal employees allegedly arrived to work intoxicated, watched pornography on work devices and used “mouse jigglers” to appear active while presumably away from their desks. Here’s what to know about the technology and why they’ve gained notoriety for being misused.

What are mouse jigglers?

Mouse jigglers are designed to simulate mouse movement and keep a computer active without any user interaction. They can prevent computers from falling asleep but they can also be misused by employees to feign activity.

Do they have legitimate applications?

Yes, they can be used for a number of legitimate reasons, including keeping presentations and video calls active or allowing processing tasks time to complete. However, with the rise of remote work and flexible working hours, mouse jigglers can also be used to make it seem like employees are active even if they are away from their desks.

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How do they work?

Mouse jigglers can take on a variety of forms, including mechanical devices that physically move the mouse. Other applications include USB devices that send signals to the computer to simulate mouse movement, or software applications that run in the background and generate small movements or clicks to keep the computer active.

How much do they cost?

The costs vary based on hardware devices and software applications. Basic USB devices and physical mouses start from about $15 and can reach $50 for more advanced devices that offer customizable movement patterns or additional ports for other USB devices.

Software programs are available for free, though they can carry potential security risks if they don’t come from a reputable source. Paid software is generally about $10 to $30 for a one-time purchase, or a few dollars a month for a basic subscription. Paid programs often offer more advanced features, including scheduling options, additional productivity tools and even customer support.

Where do you buy them?

Mouse jigglers can be purchased online, from retailers like Amazon and eBay, while software programs can be found in app stores, such as Apple App Store or Google Play. Other programs can be downloaded directly from developers’ websites and platforms.

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