The dangers of social media to businesses
Loss of Intellectual
Property
Employees who post information about projects they're working on, company expansions or other sensitive topics can open the door to intellectual property theft from competitors. Likewise, an employee who posts content that oversteps on another company's copyright or trademarks can put their own business at risk for an expensive lawsuit.
Hacking
Social media is an online tool which leaves users open to risks such as viruses, malware, phishing scams and identity theft. Hackers may use social networks to spread malicious code, compromise users' computers or access personal information about a user's identity, location, contact information and personal or professional relationships.
Company Reputation
One unsuitable or stirring post from an employee or displeased client can produce substantial repercussion which can then go viral. Additionally, an employee who demeans the products or services of a competitor could make a business accountable for compensations relating to slander.
Employee interaction
Social media presents new ways for employees to interact with each other which can result in negative behaviour that affects the workplace. While businesses shouldn't police the personal lives of their employees, claims of bullying or sexual harassment need to be taken seriously and investigated quickly. My colleague Lauren recently wrote a blog on social presence and wrote this "Social presence is something which can seriously affect you in the eyes of an employer for example if you aren't cautious of what your digital footprint may be hiding. Your social presence can contain what sites you visit, old pictures, comments etc." I found this interesting as not everyone realises there is a lot about them online that employers have easy access to.
Employment screening
While it may be tempting to search a prospective or current employee's Facebook profile, your company's liability risk increases if hiring (or firing) decisions are based on information found on social media. For instance, Facebook postings could reveal information about a person's religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or other personal information that could later lead to a discrimination charge. In some jurisdictions, it is now illegal for employers to ask employees for their social media passwords so make sure that your current employment screening practices keep up with changing legislation.
Employees who post information about projects they're working on, company expansions or other sensitive topics can open the door to intellectual property theft from competitors. Likewise, an employee who posts content that oversteps on another company's copyright or trademarks can put their own business at risk for an expensive lawsuit.
Hacking
Social media is an online tool which leaves users open to risks such as viruses, malware, phishing scams and identity theft. Hackers may use social networks to spread malicious code, compromise users' computers or access personal information about a user's identity, location, contact information and personal or professional relationships.
Company Reputation
One unsuitable or stirring post from an employee or displeased client can produce substantial repercussion which can then go viral. Additionally, an employee who demeans the products or services of a competitor could make a business accountable for compensations relating to slander.
Employee interaction
Social media presents new ways for employees to interact with each other which can result in negative behaviour that affects the workplace. While businesses shouldn't police the personal lives of their employees, claims of bullying or sexual harassment need to be taken seriously and investigated quickly. My colleague Lauren recently wrote a blog on social presence and wrote this "Social presence is something which can seriously affect you in the eyes of an employer for example if you aren't cautious of what your digital footprint may be hiding. Your social presence can contain what sites you visit, old pictures, comments etc." I found this interesting as not everyone realises there is a lot about them online that employers have easy access to.
Employment screening
While it may be tempting to search a prospective or current employee's Facebook profile, your company's liability risk increases if hiring (or firing) decisions are based on information found on social media. For instance, Facebook postings could reveal information about a person's religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or other personal information that could later lead to a discrimination charge. In some jurisdictions, it is now illegal for employers to ask employees for their social media passwords so make sure that your current employment screening practices keep up with changing legislation.
top tips to keep your business safe from social media.
For dangers of social media to individuals pleas read my blog on this
For dangers of social media to individuals pleas read my blog on this
I found this website which may interest you; http://techxb.com/top-five-risks-companies-face-when-using-social-media
ReplyDeleteIt has risks and solutions to a business regarding social media. The lay out of your blog has made it clear and understandable to see what the issues are on the dangers.
Thanks for the link Lauren it has a lot of useful information for businesses who use social media. I am glad you liked the layout and found it very clear to understand.
ReplyDeleteGreat clear points Joe-Lee. Yes businesses have to be careful that their employers know the boundaries of what they post about them. Lots of repercussions like the businesses reputation, your job may be on the line too. Hacking is a massive issue to businesses, recent NHS attacks show even the largest companies you would expect to be protected are even vulnerable to being hacked into.
ReplyDeleteThanks for highlighting current issues regarding this it really helps me to better understand it when i can relate it back to issues arising. Thanks for the comment Sharon.
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