Balancing Employee Security Rights
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009
BALANCING EMPLOYEE SECURITY RIGHTS
AT THE WORKPLACE
By:
AUGUST BEQUAI, ESQ
I. INTRODUCTION
The Internet - an outgrowth of America’s Cold War efforts-is touted daily as an efficient and inexpensive vehicle for electronic commerce. One that both business and government can employ effectively to conduct their daily operations; with an army of vendors ready to assist.
But as U.S. businesses and individuals turn to the Internet in growing numbers, serious concerns over crime and security continue unabated. These are in need of serious long-term consideration. Businesses that fail to enact proper measures to address these concerns, invite both adverse publicity and costly litigation.
The euphoria and financial motives that have fueled the growth of the Internet, need also accommodate serious concerns over crime and security. For in the minds of a growing number of business and government officials in the U.S., there is a growing awareness that the Internet is not the fabled genie of Aladdin’s lamp.
II. DEALING WITH SECURITY CONCERNS
While many in business and government acknowledge the need for security in cyber-space, few agree on what constitutes adequate security to stave off legal exposure; or whether the impetus should be on technical as opposed to personnel side of security. In any case, there is a consensus in legal circles that to stave off litigation, a security program should address several basic security needs: (more…)