Andre Yoskowitz
28 Jan 2010 13:49
ScanSafe, a provider of corporate software, has reported that workplace piracy (and attempted piracy) is up 55 percent in the last three months on corporate networks, including downloads of movies, music and software.
The company says it "currently processes data across more than 100 countries for millions of employees, giving it the industry’s most significant insight into the latest trends in Web traffic and malware."
"Employees mistakenly assume they can use the Internet at work in exactly the same way as they use it at home and this is potentially one of the reasons for this steady increase in illegal download attempts over recent months," adds Spencer Parker, director of product management at ScanSafe. "Inappropriate Internet use in the workplace can put the employer at risk for legal liabilities."
Parker continues: "Downloading illegal content is a 'double whammy' for employers as not only does it put them at risk legally but it also puts the company network at risk of being infected with malware. A large majority of free illegal downloading websites are often riddled with malware."
As a response to the increase in the number, ScanSafe says employers should create a "defined" Internet usage policy, one that will hold the employees liable for any wrong doing.