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Risks of Using Self-Installed Instant Messaging in Corporate Networks

Calendar Feb 06, 2003 • User Avatar Anthony Pell
1 min read
General Esm H446
Topics%20covered

Topics Covered

network security instant messaging software threat communication tool corporate risk
Instant messaging (IM) is taking off in companies but self-installed consumer versions of software that allows this type of communication are posing a "rampant security risk" on networks. Already some companies see IM as a time wasting technology - as . . . Instant messaging (IM) is taking off in companies but self-installed consumer versions of software that allows this type of communication are posing a "rampant security risk" on networks. Already some companies see IM as a time wasting technology - as was the case when email, web access and even the telephone were first put on workers' desks - but the latest warning, levelled by Blue Coat Systems, is based on three key factors.

The security appliance vendor highlights that IM is used to send files which firewalls don't pick up because they do not pass through corporate email systems; they are not checked for viruses; and they are not logged.

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