January 08, 2007

Surfing the Net

A new study out today shows that although it's against company rules, employees are still using company time to write personal emails, visit sports teams websites, and buy personal items online. The worst offenders are managers, according to Michael T. Stratton, an assistant professor of management at Hood College in Frederick.

Why is this personal surfing still happening? Stratton says it's because employers haven't found a balance between computer security and human nature.

While employers have sound reasons for trying to limit such activity, such as viruses, security breaches and lawsuits that can't be ignored, employers could safeguard their systems and keep workers happy by installing web-enabled computers separate from its internal network for use during employee breaks.

An ePolicy Institute study found that while 76 percent of employers had a written policy regarding e-mail use and content, just 42 percent formally trained workers on the risks of violating it. Most employees have no idea that sending an inappropriate email at work can trigger litigation.

Just writing a policy and placing in an employee handbook is not enough. Most employees aren't intentionally trying to put their company at risk while surfing the net--they are not told the reasons behind this policy and the security breaches that a simple email can cause.

Does your organization have an Internet policy? Has it been clearly defined to your employees?



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Jan 8, 2007 7:48:16 AM

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