Cape Town, 26 Feb 2008
Global Internet security specialist SmoothWall has incorporated new support for the monitoring of instant messaging conversations in all new versions of its software.
Instant messaging use has grown significantly in the workplace over the past few years, morphing itself from a simple chat tool into a speedy and convenient business application that offers an efficient alternative to e-mail. But although IM has its advantages, when misused it can encourage time-wasting and expose organisations to significant legal risks.
To reduce these risks, SmoothWall's 2008 suite of Web filtering and firewall software products (due for release at the end of Feb) now incorporates tools to help managers monitor and log IM conversations.
SmoothWall's Product Manager, Tom Newton, explains: "Extending acceptable use policies to cover IM and blocking the installation of unauthorised clients can help to mitigate security vulnerabilities, but some of the biggest risks lie with 'chat-happy' users - who don't always think about how a message might reflect on the organisation before they click 'send'."
Unlike e-mails, instant messages don't carry legal disclaimers and employee misuse is widespread in organisations that don't take appropriate steps to manage it properly. Studies show that where IM conversations are monitored, misuse tends to be minimal and its business advantages (and legal risks) can be much more easily evaluated.
Tom adds: "Our Guardian Web filters and firewalls now offer users the ability to monitor and censor IM conversations - or even block the applications altogether. We plan to later this year add more tools, including advanced reports and control over file transfers."
SmoothWall has also recently moved to an 'incremental' update system which means customers will be able to download and take advantage of these additions much sooner - via regular software 'Feature Packs' which will now be automatically issued to all users.
In addition to support for instant messaging, SmoothWall's 2008 security suite comes with a number of other new and valuable features, designed to give administrators much more visibility and control over network and Internet use. Enhancements include real-time traffic logs, detailed 'drill-down' reporting tools and templates, and a new easy-to-understand dashboard for 'at-a-glance' surfing surveillance. SSL VPNs are also supported, adding to the flexibility of secured tunnels.
SmoothWall offers a range of feature-rich, robust security products that are cost-effective and cater for different organisation structures, from those with limited IT security resources to larger SMEs and corporations, while also offering discounted products to educational institutions. The modular architecture allows an entry-level corporate firewall system to grow in line with company requirements via the range of add-on modules that extend the firewall platform into a robust, flexible security solution.
SmoothWall offers a free 30-day evaluation copy of its products, which can be arranged by local distributor Jeshurun Consulting. For further information, or to arrange an evaluation, contact Dion Britz at 021 9141402, admin@jeshurun.co.za or visit www.jeshurun.co.za.
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