On the Net

with Chris Goh

A policy to keep you secure

As security becomes a greater issue in the workplace, and email and surfing the web become very accessible, IT managers will be thinking about policies on ICT resources and their use. The legal implications for an organisation where staff are downloading everything from pirated music to porn are very serious, and as part of new legislation, content providers are liable for the content that sits on their servers. Emails are also considered official corporate records, which are accessible under the Freedom of Information Act.

Whilst many organisations look actively at their staff use of the internet, protocols around the use of email and also organisational data are often a lot more lax. With new legislation on both SPAM and privacy, using your organisation's email services to broadcast unsolicited advertisements (even with the best of intentions) could mean trouble. Recently in the US, organisations have reported lifts of key customer contacts.

Having sensitive customer information should mean that business owners spend considerable time and effort to secure it, but often the problem is that without adequate policies, customer information might be given to the wrong person. Thanks to clever things like USB, staff who often move from one organisation to another can lift sensitive database information concerning everything from clients to finance. Organisations have to take a lot more care in not only creating a policy of use but also ensuring that through proper business practices the firm's 'Electronic Intellectual Property' is not compromised. Business owners should, when their staff leave, have exit interviews that ensure that information, special passwords and electronic access be transferred and that passwords are changed. IT managers are becoming the de facto owners of key corporate information, so it pays for businesses to ensure that when their IT managers leave, all systems are backed up appropriately, and proper policies are adhered to. As our country becomes more savvy in technology, it won't be long before tougher laws appear as people begin to realise that IT has a strong connection with every facet of a business.

Hotnews

Microsoft launched its Xbox 360 on MTV with host Elijah Wood (the famous hobbit from Lord of the Rings). Leaks a week prior proved correct with the silver case stand-up box sporting a new patented embedded ATi Video Card (ceasing the relationship Microsoft had with NVidia), 512Mb RAM and removable hard drive. This on the 25th anniversary of PacMan, which shows how far we have come in games over a short time. At the same time Microsoft announced it's new Mobile Operating System, Mobile 5.0, ending the RoadMap for Pocket PC and Smartphone.

The Democrats have submitted a Bill that could see authors of Spyware, who haven't asked PC owners for permission to install their software, subject to a criminal sentence of up to two years. At the same time the Liberals, backed by Labor, are on a hunt to ban suicide related material on the internet. You can tell which parties are more techno savvy.

Researchers of Tohoku University in Japan have developed a biological fuel cell that uses the glucose in blood to create energy without producing any toxic byproducts. The innovative product may find applications as refuelling depots for nanotechnology or even provide energy for artificial hearts.

Hotsites

www.greenhouse.gov.au

Australia might not want to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol but the government isn't totally disinterested in our environment, particularly Greenhouse gasses. This site is aimed at telling you how everyone can contribute to reduce this global problem.

www.cybergoegraphy.com

This is one amazing site that attempts to give you an atlas of the virtual worlds in which we live in this electronic age. Find physical maps of networks, to virtual worlds from the now defunct Alphaworld to the gaming world of EverQuest.

www.eurekalert.org

One of the most comprehensive science news portals you will find, keeping you up-to-date with the latest in all areas of science, from agriculture, through to medicines and technology.