Social networking has enhanced collaboration for many companies but it creates a risk of employees sharing intellectual property or other strategically important company information with outsiders. This certainly places an increased burden on strategically aligned CSO’s who must balance the need for security with business goals and objectives.
The Global State of Information Security survey produced by Price-Waterhouse-Coopers in conjunction with CIO magazine, demonstrated a growing concern over the risks associated with social networking. While monitoring technologies can help within the company borders, access to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace fall clearly outside the watchful eye of security technology.
This then becomes a cultural issue tackled primarily with users education and security awareness programs that emphasize that information provided on social networks is in the public domain.
Bill Brenner, Senior Editor with CSO Magazine published the “Seven Deadly Sins of Social Networking Security” back in June of 2009. Brenner lists these social networking sins as follows:
1. Over-sharing company activities
2. Mixing personal with professional
3. Engaging in Tweet (or Facebook/LinkedIn/Myspace) rage
4. Believing he/she who dies with the most connections wins
5. Password sloth
6. Trigger finger (clicking everything, especially on Facebook)
7. Endangering yourself and others.
While social media is a fantastic method to share information and collaborate, it’s important to consider the content of what you’re posting to avoid risking your company and more importantly, yourself. Remember the final 5 tweets of Harold Wigginbottom , Tech-Savvy CEO:
CSO Magazine, May 27, 2009
Help your employees. Help yourself.
