7 fun things IT support wants to keep secret

Keza said on Sunday, 16 December 2007

You obviously haven't been too many offices lately.
Transfer Large Files - blocked by web content filtering
Using IM @ work - Ha, always blocked by group policy or centralised protection i.e ePO by mcafee
Run any app @ work - USB/floppy disabled
Unblock Prohitbed Websites - You have no idea do you? proxy's are the first thing to be turned off
You know what you whole article is nothing but jibberish!!

En_croute said on Monday, 17 December 2007

Of course you'll be breaching your ITC regulations, and will have provided grounds for dismissal, or at least disciplinary action.

Breaching boundaries may be fun, but there for a reason.

If a website is blocked, don't try to use it, or be prepared to be sacked.

If large files need to be sent, get permission, or you'll be sacked.

If IM is important, get a life, or get sacked.

Not so hard is it.

Concerned said on Monday, 17 December 2007

Four of these could instantly breach data protection laws and open your company up to big legal problems which will certainly result in you loosing your job and perhaps some of your colleagues as well. If you don't know which ones then that just goes to show that you shouldn't be trying to bypass the IT policies put in place (usually) for a good reason. HMRC anyone?

The lesser evil would be that for example whilst using your private email on a secure webmail site through a proxy you pick up a virus or other malware that bypasses all the company defences and bring most of your companies IT system down for a number of days loosing it money and reputation. Again expect to loose your job.

Want to run an unauthorised app? Are you able to decide what applications are 'safe' including any interactions they may have with other systems on your companies network? Unless you know in depth about all hidden parts of the IT systems you cannot be in a position to know that.

Concerned said on Monday, 17 December 2007

Unfortunately articles like this are irresponsible in that they encourage users to try to bypass the rules. The rules are not (usually) put there to be awkward. They are put there for very good reasons including protecting the company both legally and in terms of being able to run. Unfortunately all IT policy decisions are a balancing act between your users being able to do their work unhindered and other things like legal requirements and system stability.

This isn't the first article like it, and it wont be the last. All these things can be found out fairly easily, but we shouldn't be encouraging users to risk their jobs without giving due warnings of the risks.

If your IT policies are hindering you doing your job then speak to your IT department and your boss about it.

Concerned said on Monday, 17 December 2007

Unfortunately articles like this are irresponsible in that they encourage users to try to bypass the rules. The rules are not (usually) put there to be awkward. They are put there for very good reasons including protecting the company both legally and in terms of being able to run. Unfortunately all IT policy decisions are a balancing act between your users being able to do their work unhindered and other things like legal requirements and system stability.

This isn't the first article like it, and it wont be the last. All these things can be found out fairly easily, but we shouldn't be encouraging users to risk their jobs without giving due warnings of the risks.

If your IT policies are hindering you doing your job then speak to your IT department and your boss about it.

Ron said on Tuesday, 18 December 2007

I'm with the majority here - egregious, ill-informed, irresponsible bilge.

Now, I realise this may be a dangerously reactionary attitude, but what about actually doing the work you're paid for, instead of trying to access prohibited websites, pratting about with IM and hiding email from management, who surely have a right to know what's going through THEIR machines? Just a thought...