Facebook safeguards ignore enterprise users

Enterprise solutions can give companies a secure set of social networking facilities

The recent implementation of security safeguards to protect Facebook users will do little to help enterprises manage the risks associated with staff using the site, security experts claim.

Facebook implemented around 40 safeguards last week designed to protect its younger users.

Web 2.0 security firm WorkLight said that the safeguards, which are the result of negotiations between Facebook and various state agencies in the US, are a welcome addition for consumer users of the portal.

But the company warned that businesses are still "wide open" to problems. " The improvements are all aimed at consumer users of Facebook," said David Lavenda, vice president of marketing and strategy at WorkLight.

"There is still concern at companies where employees are tapping into the considerable B2B and B2C benefits that social networking sites offer modern businesses."

Lavenda explained that companies need to be aware that relatively inexpensive technology exists to give businesses secure access to social networking sites.

"Enterprise solutions can give companies a secure and highly personalised set of social networking facilities built on top of publicly-available web 2.0 services but without the security risks of accessing the services directly," he said.