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IM Security Risks

Instant Messaging Security Risks

AOL, ICQ, MSN, and other consumer-based messaging services create many potential security problems on corporate networks.

• Vulnerability -- A lack of encryption with consumer IM products means that sensitive messages are vulnerable to hacking exploits and unwarranted third party interception. Furthoremore, public IM clients are often victims of worm viruses and other network-wide attacks.
• No logging -- The Sarbanes-Oxley act requires companies to log all messages across their corporate networks. Instant messages are also included in the archiving legistlation but the regular IM clients do not offer a centralized logging station. Logging of messages provides a form of legal safety against potential liability.
• Support Costs -- Your IT help desk will usually get a call when a user needs technical support. With so many different clients available, the IT help desk confronts several different networks. Setting up a corporate IM infastructure gives more efficient IT support for employees.