Monitoring Internet Use

Monitoring can be automatic based on the logs. What is required is an Internet Access Policy to clearly spell out access rules. This includes what category of sites can be accessed and what cannot. This will also include let us say - only the preferred web server for mail in most cases it is the company's own web-mail server. It would include what classes of sites are disallowed: say music, video-streaming, porn etc. and what classes of sites are allowed that are relevant to the company's business. These rules can be easily enforced by URL monitoring and software coupled with a firewall. Monitoring of sites visited can continue but policy is enforced.

It is indeed an issue! But setting up a filter to such sites could easily help out.

The purpose of the official internet access is to add value to your current work profile , by being able to easily accessing information from the world wide web.I believe it is appropriate policy to monitor internet usage and block certain sites and key words.However, having said that , we have also provided certain PCs in the recreation area with unrestricted access, wherein people can use the net for surfing, where keywords etc are not blocked, however we disallow the download of movies/songs etc on those PCs too.I guess people come to work to do a job and possibly well , also bandwidth is not free and cost money.It would be wrong to abuse the facility given for official work , and cry horse about invasion of privacy.    

Good idea .

Hi Aadee interesting debate. According to me monitoring employees' use the Internet has become a common weapon in the battle against lost productivity. Monitoring is both ethically bad because it invades employees' privacy and is an ineffective way to prevent abuse. But companies have to do it to increase their productivity. 

Thanks...