'Sinful seven' online activities employees find
hard to resist
15 September, 2005
A survey carried out by security software vendor Sophos has
revealed that 79% of IT professionals believe employees put
network and data assets at risk by failing to act safely online.
Despite instructions from IT departments, many employees continue
to use their computers irresponsibly.
With cybercrime becoming increasingly financially motivated,
Sophos warns that these employees jeopardize the employer's
bottom line, and urges organizations to deal with this problem
as soon as possible through greater threat awareness and top-down
leadership from executive management to champion this cause
throughout the company.
"Most people don't behave recklessly online deliberately;
they are merely ignorant of the risk environment and are not
be fully aware of the potential consequences of unsafe internet
and email usage," said Gregg Mastoras, senior security
analyst at Sophos. "Whether it's downloading and opening
unsolicited attachments, or surfing the web for sordid content
not permissible at home, companies must ensure that their
employees are aware of the risks, and are given the right
tools to defend themselves."
Sophos lists the "Sinful Seven" unsafe online workplace
activities: -- Downloading music and movies
-- Opening email attachments or clicking on links in unsolicited
emails
-- Surfing pornographic or other dubious websites
-- Running "joke" programs sent by friends and
colleagues
-- Installing unauthorized software and web browser plug-ins
-- Giving information to unknown parties via phone or email
-- Using the same password on different websites and password
sharing
Another Sophos poll showed that 63% of IT professionals think
that workers who do not follow safe computing guidelines,
despite being made aware of the risks, should receive official
warnings, followed by dismissal. 10% believed the employees
should be instantly dismissed.
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