Business IM: Risks and Resolutions

Do your users use IM in your network? If I ask this questions, I believe above 95% network administrators will answer: Yes, of course.

MSN, Yahoo IM, Aol IM, Google Talk etc,with the rapid development of instant messaging tools,which are not just used for personal entertainment, but for workplace tools. However,according to a survey on the internet, most IM users are ignorant of its risks that may cause to the organization. Here we list the main Business IM Risks and Resolutons:

? Information leaks – Confidential materials, intellectual property, or proprietary information can be revealed, either intentionally or accidentally,through IM sessions or file transfers.

? Worms, viruses, etc. – Numerous malware programs target public IM systems and allow them to bypass standard firewalls and mail server antivirus systems.

? Network hacks and intrusions – Hackers use IM operating ports to bypass other security barriers and enter the corporate network unimpeded.

? Compliance, regulatory, or legal violations – Organizations subject to government oversight and compliance mandates may find themselves creating legal issues by failing to properly monitor, log, and regulate IM sessions and content.

? Productivity loss – Idle chat can disrupt employee productivity.

So many risks IM has, does it mean that we have to prohibit Instant Messaging in workplace, of course not, IM has its irreplaceable benifits other than other communication methods,as email, phone call, SMS. but we have some good suggestions to decrease the IM risks.

Deploy network analysis tools like Colasoft Network Analyzer in your computer, to detect network intrusion attempts, monitor network usage, gain information for effecting a network intrusion.

Regularly remind your users to update or upgrade their antivirus software

Create written policies – Clearly and explicitly define acceptable and unacceptable use of instant messaging within the business environment.