Security Software Makes for Nervous Businesses

When it comes to security software, one company is warning that social networking sites which include YouTube, MySpace and Facebook could present a real hazard to businesses which are rightly fearful of being penetrated by cybercriminals.

Software internet security is a nightmare for businesses and with the rise of social networking at work (via such business sites as Xing, Plaxo and LinkedIn), especially amongst the younger generation, things are getting worse, not better.

There is also a blurring of the message in this area, because although companies are paranoid about problems of being hacked, they still support their workers in promoting their companies on the very same sites which they take issue with.

But businesses are being warned that they have to weigh up the benefits of increased online sales via social media networking, as against the chance of having their systems compromised by hackers, or indeed, putting the company into an invidious position.

There are a number of things for companies to look out for, including using social media for employment vetting purposes, but then falling into the trap of asking ‘illegal’ questions, such as those directed about age, race, or religion.

You should also be aware of giving away too much information about the company and its working practices, which could be used in similar ways that personal ID fraud is exploited.

Be careful also not to damage the company’s reputation, or standing via an inappropriate message on a social media website, or message thread.

A spokesman for the company which gave the warning, Commissum, said:
“The risks of using social media encompass all aspects of the business; legal, employment, technical, operational and reputation. The decision to use social media should therefore be taken after careful consideration of the business reasons and benefits, an assessment of all risks and the implementation of comprehensive controls to mitigate the risks which must include policies and appropriate user training and awareness measures.”

In short, sometimes, software internet security issues should become before fancy social media strategies.

Guest Article by Neil Camp