Sunday, November 8, 2009

Web 2.0 @ Work... Benefits and Security Implications

Within the current web landscape, many different Web 2.0 tools are available for both personal and business related purposes. These tools are often freely available and can provide significant benefits in enabling virtual team collaboration, enhanced communications and collaborative document management. While the potential benefits are great, the potential for data and information security related issues, such as data breaches or system compromises, are equally as great and must be managed accordingly.

The use of Web 2.0 tools @ work was surveyed in a recent Dynamic Markets research study. The focus of the study was to determine IT Management perceptions and understanding of Web 2.0 tools while assessing organizational security preparedness in a post Web 2.0 world. The following key findings provide an IT oriented perspective on current perceptions and security awareness in the use of Web 2.0 tools in the workplace.

- 95 percent of respondents currently allow employee access to some Web 2.0 sites and applications – most commonly webmail, mashups and wikis.

- 62 percent of IT managers believe that Web 2.0 is necessary to their business.

- 86 percent of IT managers reported feeling pressured to allow more access to more types of Web 2.0 sites and technologies.

- 30 percent of respondents reported pressure coming from C-level executives and director level staff.

- 34 percent reported pressure coming from marketing departments.

- 32 percent reported pressure coming from sales departments.

These survey results provide insight into the use and future use of Web 2.0 tools in the work place. In essence, Web 2.0 tools are here to stay and organizations must be well prepared in the areas of security policy, use guidelines and enforcement methods to ensure the appropriate use of such tools in a business environment.

 

 

Cheers,

TJ

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