Unsanctioned Apps Wreak Havoc

Eight out of 10 IT shops have suffered attacks such as spyware and adware installation from user-oriented applications, including IM, P2P and Web browsers. That's a key finding from a survey by FaceTime Communications, which makes appliances to control real-time communication applications. The survey also shows that four in 10 end users install apps not approved by IT.

Although vendor reports should be taken with a grain of salt, independent research validates the scope of the problem. A study from Cornell University, for instance, showed Skype users are most active during business hours, both in the United States and overseas.

Unsanctioned apps are a persistent thorn in IT's side and must be addressed by a variety of methods, including user instruction and enforcement of corporate policies. --Andrew Conry-Murray, [email protected]