ESafe tool limits workplace social network access

eSafe AppliFilter restricts specific functionality on sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook

Web security firm Aladdin Knowledge Systems has enhanced its eSafe web gateway product to offer greater control over the social networking applications that staff can access at work.

The latest update to eSafe AppliFilter allows firms to harness the productivity and other benefits that may come from allowing access to social networking sites, but reduces the risk of malware or data leakage by restricting specific functionality on sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.

"We realised that better granularity is needed when talking about a secure web gateway solution, so you can allow Facebook and LinkedIn on your own terms and have control over the apps and functionality used," said Ian Amit, director of security research at Aladdin.

"We had the capabilities in the product already but it was untapped. So, in light of the new threats facing firms, we made some modifications and figured out we needed a retrofitted solution."

The enhanced eSafe product will enable companies to restrict functionality such as Facebook's 'Invite a Friend' or 'Add a Friend', or LinkedIn's 'Huddle Workspace'.