IT managers said the use of keyloggers or spyware has a relevant use in the enterprise.

Russell Close, head of IT within financial services firm Portfolio Partners Pty Ltd said ethics isn't an issue if monitoring is conducted lawfully.

"It really depends on the situation; for monitoring of public records such as the police and government departments, keylogging could be very useful," Close said.

"There wouldn't be ethical issues if it is conducted lawfully and the data being monitored is a matter of public concern."

Another IT manager, who requested anonymity, said where employees are in breach of their contracts, the use of monitoring software cannot be considered unethical, especially when employees are forewarned.