How to Use Web 2.0 and Social Networking Sites Securely

At its simplest, Web 2.0 is the term used to describe the second generation of web technologies, including social networking sites, blogs and wikis, all of which enable the Web to be used in a different, more interactive, way than before. These technologies also enable users to connect with a very large number of people in a short period of time at low cost. The use of Web 2.0 technologies has also spawned new business models and enabled improved collaboration, knowledge sharing and communication within organizations. At the same time, however, Web 2.0 technologies bring greater security risks for their fast growing universe of users. The number of risks is also growing exponentially. The challenge for businesses, therefore, is to find ways of enabling their users to use Web 2.0 technologies while minimizing the risks. Given the widespread use of Web 2.0 technologies and their impact in terms of the number and types of incidents and the cost of them, controlling Web 2.0 risks needs to be a high priority for all organizations. This pocket guide provides recommendations for organizations that will help them ensure that their employees are using Web 2.0 sites in a secure manner, and that their personal and confidential corporate data is protected.