August 28, 2014
The times of restricting websites in the workplace has become a bit old-school, not only because of the negative message of untrustworthiness it sends to employees, but also because there are work-arounds employees have learned to gain access. So, instead of restricting access to websites, we’ve found it is better practice to protect what you can, from a security standpoint, and request your employees to follow web-use company “guidelines”.
The guidelines you create will vary based on your business values and the way your employees use the Internet to conduct business on a daily basis. For example, a bank’s guidelines will most likely look different than those defined by a University.
Included in your guidelines should be a list of websites to avoid entirely, as well as a list of websites that should be limited to using during certain times of the day. Here are three categories you should consider:
#1: Gambling/Gaming/Explicit Content
There is a time and place for accessing certain content on the Internet. Gambling, gaming and explicit websites should be listed first on your list of websites to avoid entirely during the work day. Not only do these websites serve as a destructive distraction that can harm productivity, these sites are not immune to malicious content.
Gaming sites, for example, often require users to download software to help accommodate the graphics and other features of a game. Hidden inside this content, assuming the gaming site is not trustworthy, could be any number of spam or malware programs that could harm your business network.
#2: Social Media Sites
Personal use of social media sites should be included on the list of websites that should only be accessed during free periods – before or after the work day ends, during morning and afternoon breaks, or at lunch. This easy-access to personal lives is a great way for your employees to take a mental break from their work. When it is time to get back to work, you will likely find that your employees are refreshed and ready to return to their work.
#3: File-Sharing & Streaming Media Sites
Including these sites on your list of websites that should be used during certain periods of the day is all about operational productivity. When your employees spend their days on streaming media sites or file-sharing services, they are consuming valuable bandwidth. With bandwidth, there is only so much to share; therefore, when it is being used, others can be prevented from using it, or it will slow their programs down.
Web Use Guidelines
It is more important than ever before to have Internet access to do our jobs. For this reason, enforcing website access restrictions is no longer productive. A better solution is to install software that can enhance your security and protect against accidental or malicious attacks. Combining this protection with web use guidelines will encourage productivity and reduce behaviors you would prefer to be done outside the workplace.
To discuss security concerns about website access and restrictions, request an assessment of your Business’ IT. 
