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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