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.



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