author: programming

Latest Security News | SecurityExtra.com

80% of companies believe permitting online gaming during work would cost them money

Posted: 27 Dec 2011 05:10 AM PST

A recent poll carried out by email security and web filtering solutions provider, SpamTitan Technologies, has found that 80% of businesses surveyed (global sample) believe allowing workplace gaming costs money. Companies claim that distracted employees using social networking and online gaming during work hours are not carrying out their roles effectively and leave the company vulnerable to attack from malware and viruses which exceeds the potential benefits of a less stressed workforce. Recent studies suggest allowing employees to play computer games outside of work hours, i.e. at lunch, or during break times is beneficial and encourages co-operation and social bonding[1]. This research shows that employees feel more relaxed, confident, energetic, and productive, concluding that gaming should be allowed in the workplace. However for this to be effective companies need to have an internet usage policy and security solutions in place which will deal with the IT security and cost implications which includes: - Greater demand on bandwidth usage - Internet threats such as viruses, spyware and phishing - Hacking incidents, and the consequent data and content security risks - Time spent by IT managers dealing with these issues The repercussions of IT security breaches are extensive, and the cost for [...]