Limiting Internet Use to Protect Your Company

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By Gregg Larson

RISMEDIA, May 26, 2008-The most innocent employee activities can have the worst security consequences for employers, and uncontrolled use of the Internet and instant messaging is a perfect example of this.

The first step is to enact a firmer Web and IM-use policy. Even if management does not significantly restrict use, it’s still important to have policies. While not an exhaustive list, a policy might include statements such as the following:

-Employees must only use approved software to access the Internet, and software configurations must not be changed by employees without manager approval.

-Any personal use must not interfere with normal business activities, must not involve solicitation, must not be associated with any for-profit outside business activity, and must not potentially embarrass the company.

-The Internet should not be used for the transmission of any offensive, obscene, defamatory or illegal materials.

-Employees must not download executable files from the Internet unless that download is required for performance of their job.

-Sensitive information about employees, customers, or other company-confidential information should never be published to the Internet.

-There should be no expectation of privacy when using the company network.

Policies are good, but do little to protect your company on their own. It is important that employees are regularly educated and re-educated on all of your company policies.

Gregg Larson is the CEO of Clareity Security. For more information, please visit www.ClareitySecurity.com.

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