Old Security Compliances Need Updating For Social Networking
Social networking has become a useful tool for businesses seeking an outlet to reach an increased number of potential customers, and to spread their business model to those who may not realize the company’s mission statement. The area of concern for IT data centers and security is to corral the applications so they do not pose a threat to the infrastructure. Not only is the company sensitive data at risk, but user’s personal information is also a casualty if is exists anywhere in the company, in an electronic format. Somehow users as a whole have not learned from the difficulties MySpace presented in terms of security.
While sites including LinkedIn is mainly a business network Web site, other sites, such as Twitter and Facebook mix business, personal, entertainment, and pleasure. As other sites attach these sites as an additional feature, the risk of intrusion and malware increases. Online thieves are aware of this, and continue to attack with fervency.
As social sites continue to enter the business mainstream, aged security procedures have not been updated to alert users of the impending threats and proper utilization. As users employ work machines to access the networks, the office environment does have a right to determine what is safe practices and policies, and what does not fit the compliance mold. While companies have always instituted a policy against adult sites and related Web pages, one of the potential problems is the situation where an employee crosses the threshold of good taste, or unintentionally allows malware or hackers into the infrastructure. It can turn into a legal case where the employee insists they were not fully made aware of the company compliance prohibiting use of the social networks.
Between training and IT data centers upgrading their policies to reflect the changing times, employees can become more mindful of the ramifications of their actions. A CISSP boot camp provides users with a convenient method of learning everything they should know about information security, and the many areas that need a stronger security structure in place. K Alliance training is an excellent source of information security training, leading to eventual certification and a new, rewarding career in demand with many opportunities to branch forward.
One aspect users do not consider, they are representatives of the organization who employs them. And somehow, with the advent of reality shows, it has become standard operating procedure to reveal far too much personal information online and to strangers we have never met. As this practice moves into the business realm, it opens up doors of opportunity for cyber criminals. Where the military has the mantra of ‘loose lips sinks ships’, it also applies to the business environment. A snippet of data here, a small morsel of information there, and a trail starts leading to a pattern as more and more data pieces together a larger picture. This is why policies need to reflect the changes in technology and user practices. Where new technology enters the mainstream, compliance has to be flexible enough to allow its use, yet remain strong enough to meet the standards that protect the business and its interests, including security and productivity levels. Policies should not be overhanded, as there is a great amount of constructive and invaluable use a company can gain from social network tools, including e-learning. But they should also permit a reasonable amount of personal utilization, especially if it has the approval from management. As all things bring risk, a policy of risk management is a necessity to weigh the positives against the negatives.
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