Lack of Web 2.0 Knowledge amongst Managers Poses a Security Risk

Situation is Easily Solvable by Using a Secure Mechanism for Staff to Access Social Networks

(09.06.08) - WorkLight, the Web 2.0 security specialist, says that a recent study by staff training firm Parity and Bournemouth University, which found that almost half of business managers do not understand the benefits of Web 2.0 technology comes, as no surprise.

"Embracing the B2B and B2C benefits of Web 2.0 services such as Facebook and MySpace is something that requires a thorough understanding of Web protocols and usage patterns. Many managers simply have not had the experience or training required," said David Lavenda, WorkLight's VP of marketing and product strategy.

"Lack of understanding is something, however, that can be solved with a little education and/or training, but what concerns me more is the fact that business managers may read this report and launch their firms onto social networking sites without thinking through the security consequences," he added.

According to Lavenda, companies which use Web 2.0 services on the open Internet will undoubtedly experience the many business benefits of the Web sites available, but they will also open themselves up to the security risks associated with these services.

This situation, he said, is easily solvable by using a secure mechanism for staff to access social network and other Web 2.0 services.

"Business managers should consider the use of an Web 2.0 for Business platform, such as the one we offer, for example. They can then give staff access to a secure and highly personalised set of facilities, but without the security risks firms would experience by accessing blogs, wikis and social networking sites directly," he explained.

For more on the Parity/Bournemouth University Web 2.0 report: http://tinyurl.com/6prc2g .

(WorkLight: ra)