IMLogic recently conducted a survey of 1,100 enterprise instant message users, and found that most people unknowingly expose their computers and company networks to security threats.
According to IMLogic, most users of corporate instant messaging are unaware of the potential threats involved. IMLogic urges companies that use instant messaging to educate users about risks and deploy the proper technology to prevent attacks.
The survey found that most users believe that there is no threat from instant messaging, because they are only communicating with people they trust. Some stats that IMLogic reported include:
– 78% perceive IM to be safer than e-mail, and not subject any security threats or potential vulnerabilities;
– 63% would click on an unknown link because it came from someone on their buddy list, a perceived trusted source;
– 45% use IM at work because they believe their communication is unmonitored;
– 35% believe they have received a message containing a malicious link; and
– 29% regularly transfer files over IM.
“End users trust instant messaging as a communications medium and are not aware of the fast-growing threat of IM viruses, worms, SPIM, and phishing that occur on a daily basis,” said IMlogic CTO Jon Sakoda.
“Users are very vulnerable to attacks and social engineering over IM, and hackers and virus writers are exploiting the IM systems to propagate malware and spyware in real-time.” said Sakoda.
IMLogic itself offers its own security solution, the IMlogic Real-Time Threat Protection System (RTTPS).
Chris is a staff writer for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest ebusiness news.
