Computer security company Kaspersky Lab has revealed that almost three-quarters of companies worldwide (72%) block access to social networking sites.
The Moscow-based firm said that most companies have strict rules when it comes to using Facebook and similar sites at work.The company said that many organisations are concerned about the potential negative impact social networking may have on their business and they believe employees will waste time accessing Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites, instead of focusing on work.
The companies are also concerned about the security aspects of social networking, added Kaspersky.
The fears of the companies are not unfounded, said Kaspersky. It said the volume of malware spreading through social networks has increased, and is increasing, steadily. The other potential security problem is less obvious: social networks are filled with masses of personal data. "And this data can be used by cybercriminals, not only to profile individuals, but also organisations," said Kaspersky.
However, the security company added that using social networking sites is not all negative.
Kaspersky Lab senior security researcher David Emm said on social media policies: "Many businesses have discovered that judicious use of social networks can bring a corporate benefit – for example, to enhance the corporate brand, or for recruitment. I believe there’s a historical parallel here. In the first half of the 1990s, many organisations feared the security implications of providing e-mail access to employees. But in time it became clear that the benefits outweighed the potential dangers. And by the time we entered the new millennium, email had become ubiquitous."
"I believe the same is true for social networks. If I am right, businesses should think less about holding back the tide than ensuring that effective sea defences are in place," added Emm.