SecureData, a member of the JSE-listed ERP.com Group and the southern African distributor for St Bernard Software, today announced that securing IT systems against the dangers associated with spyware and malware, instant messaging (IM) and peer-to-peer networks, is the main driver for companies to purchase an Internet filtering solution, according to a recent online poll conducted by the latter.
According to 443 security professionals that participated in the March 2006 survey, 35% of respondents identified Internet-based threats as the main reason for installing a Web filtering solution. Maintaining employee productivity was ranked high on the list as well, receiving 30% of the votes. Protecting against possible legal liabilities (23%) and meeting compliance regulations (12%) were also noted as key drivers for filtering employees' online behaviour.
According to Osterman Research, companies face serious employee-related problems. Half of organisations reported that their employees distribute inappropriate content electronically, while 40% have had staff view inappropriate content.
As a result of employees having access to the Internet, organisations are faced with a number of risks. St Bernard Software's poll reveals that the consequences associated with unmanaged Web access is understood by most organisations, including:
1. Increased vulnerability to Internet-based threats
2. Damaged morale and legal liability issues, as a result of employees downloading content from inappropriate sites
3. Lost productivity from employees conducting personal matters online, or visiting non-work related sites during business hours
4. Not meeting government or industry workplace compliance regulations, such as the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
"Security threats are disguised in a variety of vehicles, such as a link sent through an IM or e-mail. Most of these threats appear relatively benign, and as a result, employees can unsuspectingly open their networks up to a malicious Web site, phishing attack, or worse," commented Steve Yin, VP of sales and marketing at St Bernard Software.
"An Internet filtering solution can solve some of the key pain points faced by today's IT administrators - from protection against Internet security threats to avoiding inappropriate content from being viewed online while at work. Proactive Internet filtering not only protects organisations against major Internet-based security threats, but also eliminates productivity concerns."
The US Department of Labour estimates that wasted time on the Internet costs businesses up to $3 million a year per every 1 000 employees. In addition, more than 60% of companies have disciplined employees and more than 30% have terminated employees for inappropriate use of the Web.
For further information, please contact Bianca Maritz at telephone (011) 257 8600; fax (011) 257 8699; e-mail biancam@securedata.co.za.
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St Bernard Software Inc is a global provider of security solutions that help small and medium-sized businesses protect their network infrastructure at the perimeter and system levels. Using a multi-layered security architecture strategy, St Bernard Software's range of solutions harden business-critical systems against threats and exploits; provide policy-based Internet management; protect e-mail messaging; and secure the data backup process to cover files that are open or in use. Deployed across millions of computers worldwide, the company's award-winning products are recognised for ease-of-use, affordability, and scalability.
It was established in April 1995, with corporate headquarters in San Diego, California and an international office in London. St Bernard Software sells and supports its products directly and through key solution partners worldwide. For further information, visit St Bernard Software at www.stbernard.com.
SecureData
SecureData, an ERP.com company, is Africa's premier IT security solution provider. SecureData's solutions incorporate anti-virus and content security, network security, intrusion prevention software and network asset management. SecureData's comprehensive "Managed Security Services" include design, audit, implementation, vulnerability assessment, outsourcing and hosting. SecureData distributes, sells and supports category leading IT security products to the public, corporate and SME sectors throughout Africa as well as products and services to the SOHO and consumer markets through partnerships with ISPs. As well as being the sole distributor in Sub-Saharan Africa for Trend Micro, SecureData is the African distributor for US-based TippingPoint Technologies and the Southern African distributor for US-based AirDefense, Application Security, eEye, Network Engines, Rocket Software, RSA Security, St Bernard and Websense. For more information, visit SecureData at www.securedata.co.za.
ERP.com
ERP.com is a JSE-listed company focused on the implementation, integration and management of enterprise applications in an e-business environment. For more information, visit ERP.com at www.erpcom.co.za.
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