IM and P2P Security at Work

Creating a secure network in a workplace that uses peer to peer file sharing and regular Instant Messaging can create a nightmare. This presents the largest threat because Employees are able to easily download instant messaging mediums for free with IT detection. What can you do to prevent secret information from being divulged through these different forms of messaging? You can block the instant messaging manually by adding the instant messaging name to your companies’ server wall. The best way to prevent outside instant messaging is to block it completely and create an enterprise messaging system which is considered the "Cooperate IM" This will give the employees the ability to message at work without needing the outside servers who pose the greatest risks.

www.pcmag.com/securitywatch
IM and P2P Security by Leon Erlanger

Instant Messaging: Security Risk and Strategies

Do you feel secure when you are using instant messaging at work? Do you feel that there is no possible way for your conversations to be compromised by hackers? There are many issues involved with the lack of security surrounding Instant Messenger in the workplace. How can we make the environment secure? It is difficult to create a secure environment since some employees use instant messaging for their personal use. An employee should view all instant messenger conversations as public information if they are not using the instant message mediums for business purposes. If the conversation is viewed as public information then there is no concern surrounding the information that has been hacked. Some companies are choosing to review legal measures with their employees so they are aware of their accountability when using Instant Messenger. It is important to teach the employees what is considered appropriate instant messaging. Employers should regulate the use of created names over the instant messaging so people are not offended. The instant messaging system should have an archived feature where they are already aware that their messages have the possibility of being saved so employees will be mindful of what they are saying when using the instant messaging.



http://www.wileyrein.com/publications.cfm?sp=articles&newsletter=4&id=1751

Choosing an Instant Messaging for Work

There is more to only knowing which instant messaging service is popular to pick a service that is beneficial for your particular corporation. When choosing an instant messaging system, you have to first review the authentication of the instant message system that you are contemplating choosing. Every corporation needs to make sure that the system that they are purchasing is genuine. Security is a vital source that needs to be reviewed when deciding a particular service also. There are many companies that are using customer’s personal information and it is important to make sure that you are working on a secure network and that you can trust the network that you are purchasing. Anti-virus is important to consider when purchasing a messaging service. This will prevent you business from experiencing viral infections when using communication with outside sources. Logging can also be important when shopping for instant messaging. Logging will prevent the employee from abusing the system and will force them to manage their conversations while being mindful that the system is being used during business hours. Special Features will carry importance when deciding the best instant messaging system for the business world. There are some businesses that may prefer or require certain special features like preset away messages or using the instant messaging without the internet. All of the reasons that I discussed can sway a person to purchase one instant messaging system over another so corporations need to be mindful of what they are shopping for and how this will affect their business in the long run.

http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/entdev/article.php/11070_2236051_1/Choosing-an-Instant-Messaging-System.htm

MessagePal is Effective

MessengerPal is effective in the workplace. MessengerPal is an office communication form that allows quick communication between coworkers. MessengerPal is a communication source that speaks volumes and can overall positively benefit the company. Some of the positivity that is generated from using this system includes but is not limited to the:
1. Fewer Interruptions
2. More Productivity and Better Customer Service
3. Urgent Communications
4. Save Wasted Effort
All four of these points prove to make a corporation effective and cost effecient. One benefit that MessengerPal has over many of its competitiors is that you can use this form of messenging without the internet. Many instant messaging services require internet usage but this one works without the use of the internet.
Some of the key benefits of using MessengerPal are efficiency, secure system, valuable, low maintenance, customizable, productive, and it is overall a fun messaging tool.

Ways Around Blocked Gtalk and Gmail

Although GTalk is a method of communication that can be used at work, many companies choose to block GTalk because the company is attempting to block Gmail which is the email service. There are ways to get around a blocked Gtalk while you are at work. Here are some methods to assist you with getting around the roadblocks that businesses built to prevent the usage of GTalk and Gmail.

1. GTalk: Many people’s company will not allow employees to download different services to the work computer. Instead of downloading the service to the work computer to use, you can go to talkgadget.google.com. This is the web version of GTalk. If the company blocked this website then you might way to put together presentation explaining the pros of having such a service in the workplace.

2. Gmail: If you are attempting to check your email at work and reach the access denied page, attempt creating a Gmail filter. Once you create this, type your email address in the to box and then select “forward all incoming email”. Then if you have another email service that is not blocked from the office, go to that email account and you can then access your gmail messages on the other account.


http://www.labnol.org/software/browsers/access-gmail-google-talk-chat-office-unblock/1160/

Anroid is the New form of Instant Messaging

Anroid was recently released yesterday. This is the newest form of instant messaging. "Anroid" was formed by ebuddy. This new instant messaging allows for an individual to use this one interface to communicate with people using al the different types of instant messaging services. Some of these services include but are not limited to: AIM, Facebook, and googletalk. Anroid allows for you to multiple chats on the one interface. This form instant messenging is new and fast and user friendly. If a company is looking for a new messaging service then they would not have to look beyond this service since this service can be used with many of the common instant messaging mediums.

http://ihaim.com/a593778-ebuddy-launches-instant-messaging-application-for.cfm

Skype in the Workplace

Although Skype is a useful tool, many companies are considering canceling their usage of Skype. Skype is a telecommunication tool. Many people have conferences using Skype to eliminate the need to travel to specific offices to hold meetings. There many examples of people losing their job due to improper usage of Skype. When a person uses Skype with an outside customer, it is important to be cautious of the things that are going on behind you during the meeting. There was a particular company where a customer decided she did not want do business with a company because the employee had a disorganized desk. It is ironic how a messy desk could discourage a potential customer. If that particular company never used Skype then that potential customer could possibly be a definite customer. Although the usage of Skype can save company money, it can present issues for the company also since the work environment is visible to customers, suppliers and potential customers.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1580966reasons_why_companies_should_cancel_the_use_of_skype_in_the_workplace.htm

Professionalism of Instant Messenger in the Work Place

As America becomes more technologically advanced, it is becoming more common to use instant messenger at work while high school and colleges are blocking the instant messenger usage on networks. Although it is becoming more common to use instant messaging in the workplace, it is important to remember that although the instant messaging can be used for recreational reasons that the sole purpose of using the instant messenger should stay business focused. It is important not to waste valuable hours at work talking to friends and family when there are customers that need your assistance. Although the instant messaging is being used on the works secure network, you should not discuss confidential information while using instant messenger because most instant messengers do not have security blocks. It is vital to remember that although you are using instant messenger that you still need to be professional and not use slang. If you work at an insurance company and are using instant messaging to discuss a claim and the claim ends up in litigation, it does not look very professional for an employee to have “lol” and “brb” in the midst of the conversation. It is clear that many companies want to stay updated with the current waves of technology which is positive aspect of the technological advancements but it is also critical to keep a sense of professionalism when conducting business.


http://www.noslang.com/im.php

Instant Messaging Creates Less Interuptions in the Workplace

There were studies completed at Ohio State University of California which reveal that there were fewer interruptions at the work place than employees who did not use instant messaging. It is ironic because there are many other researchers who say that instant messaging is a distraction in itself and that overall it can reduce productivity that an employee produces. The research that this university completed revealed that many employees were less interrupted with colleagues dropping in unexpectedly than using the instant messaging system. The system gives the employees to the ability display their availability, talk to numerous employees at once and multi task which is an area where many employees may struggle. In the future, instant messaging should become a certified substitute for emailing. It will take time for different companies to agree implementing such system.

Please click the youtube posting below and review an employee speaking on his usage of the instant messager in the workplace.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_AKQkqnQZQ

I referenced this link in my posting.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080603120251.htm

Pros and Cons of Instant Messaging at Work

There are many pros and cons to using instant messaging at work. It is important to identify these pros and cons before using instant message avenues. If we identify the cons, there is a possibility to turn them into positive occurrences.

Advantages:
1. You can organize your contacts and separate business, family and friends when having chats so you do not invite family members to business chat meetings.
2. You receive instant answers instead of awaiting emails from colleagues.
3. You can save instant messages unlike conversations and refer to them later.

Disadvantages
1. You can hide your family and friends while you are at work but you are still visible and they may send you a message at the wrong time.
2. You may become distracted using the messaging system for conversations that are not work related.
3. There are security risks associated with using instant messenger when an anti-viral program at your particular company does not directly approve the messenger.

What is Instant Messaging all About?

Instant Messaging is a collection of technologies to create a real-time text-based communication between two or more participants over the internet or some form of network. Instant Messaging actually began in the mid-1960’s but did not become popular until the early 1990’s which America Online created “AIM (America Online Instant- Messenger)”. Instant Messenger has expanded beyond the internet and beyond AOL. Within the past 5 years, Instant Messenger has gone from a source of entertainment to a vital piece of Corporate America's daily operations. Many employers are using many different forms instant messaging to communicate with each other instead of making phone calls or getting up from their desks to discuss issues. Instant Messaging is beyond AIM and many companies have created their own form of instant messaging to satisfy their customers. Some of these instant messaging types includes: AIM, G-Talk, Yahoo Messenger, Blackberry Messenger, MSN Messenger (Windows Live Messenger), Oracle Beehive, Microsoft Exchange, Skype, VZOchat, Xfire, Facebook, iChat, IBM Lotus Sametime, eBuddy and many more different types of ways to message. Although many of these instant messaging avenues can be used for entertainment, they are also used to conduct business and satisfy the needs of employees daily work efforts. It is a silent form of communication, which does not disturb surrounding employees. This blog will discuss many of the positive and negative aspects of using instant messaging in the work place. This blog will also educate you regarding the newly updated methods of instant messaging, the messaging affect on the progress of the company, and how it affects the performance of the employees. I hope you will find this blog insightful and that you will learn that updates in technology directly affects our lives in our workplace.