How to Control Employee Web Surfing

In an organization with computer users who have internet access, people are going to surf the web. It is simply human nature: people are curious, and the Internet provides resources for the curious that only a few decades back were unimaginable.

If you’re a business owner, however, curiosity has its costs.  Employees surfing the web can mean lots of time on the clock but off task. What is the best way control employee web surfing?

Get Data 

First, remember that where technology creates a problem, a solution can’t be far behind. There are a number of solutions available that allow you to track and monitor user’s web activity within your network.

For instance, a dedicated firewall appliance is not just a security device that prevents malware intrusions into the network. These devices can track almost everything that goes on regarding Internet use. A firewall can provide reports on: 

• Most visited websites
• Time spent on specific websites
• Bandwidth use
• Top web users
• Top visited websites by user

Also, firewalls can block objectionable websites, either at certain times of day or permanently. In fact, these devices make it possible to view, in real-time, the screen of any user’s computer whenever they are logged on. 

To Spy or Not to Spy

With a firewall solution, you can let staff know that you are watching their every move while online. The fear of knowing they can be caught may prove enough in itself to greatly curb non-work related web surfing. 

However, is too restrictive a policy the best solution for the overall work environment?

On the one hand, there is little doubt people waste time at work while on the Internet. A study done by AOL found that nearly half of people surveyed admitted that they made online purchases while at work. Perhaps even worse, Nielson Online reported that 25% of employees that are online at work have visited porno websites.

On the other hand, a recent study done by the University of Melbourne actually found that workers who surfed the internet at work were 9% more productive than those who where restricted. This was attributed to the fact that people need intermittent breaks while working, and web surfing in places like social media sites provides a pleasant break that allows them to get back to work in a more productive state of mind.

Let the Web Work at the Workplace 

It is true that people are curious. It also true they appreciate being trusted.

Despite technology that allows for detail reporting on web surfing activity at work, many business owners stop short of total prohibition of personal surfing at work. 

Indeed, as they found at the University of Melbourne, a quick look at Facebook or CNN for some news is probably an appropriate break. 

However, there are productivity and security issues.  The same University of Melbourne study noted that 15% of people surveyed consider themselves to be essentially addicted to the Internet, meaning they felt a strong compulsion to visit social media and other sites and expressed frustration at the idea of being interrupted.  

Also, objectionable sites such as porno are prime places for spyware attacks, and an employee “taking a break” could be a security risk for your entire network.

To control web surfing at your organization, consider the following steps:

• Get a firewall or another network security device in place and keep it updated. 
• Hold a meeting and show people the details of an example report on staff web activity. Let them know what you know.
• Indicate that certain web sites, at certain times of the workday and for limited periods of time, are fine to visit. However, abuses will affect job status. You have the right to set policy and indicate that web surfing addicts are not considered model employees.
• Block porno, gambling, and other sites with content that not only has no legitimate purpose in the workplace, but also creates security risks because of possible spyware attacks.

 Written By:  Scott Yoder