Instant messaging puts "SPIM" on the menu

July 15th 2004:
ramsac, a leading IT solutions provider, is advising companies to protect themselves from SPIM (unsolicited messages sent via Instant Messaging software)…the latest threat to network security and business productivity.

Similar in concept to e-mail, Instant Messaging (IM) software allows users to communicate instantaneously while offering enhanced features such as themed messaging environments, file-sharing and voice chat. However, like e-mail, spammers and fraudsters have realised IM’s potential as an extremely cheap mass communication media. In 2004, only 5% of all IM traffic is currently SPIM, by 2005, that figure is expected to rise to over 20%.

“Despite being created by well respected Internet software companies including Microsoft (MSN). AOL/ICQ and Yahoo (Yahoo Instant Messenger), IM software is a perfect gateway for SPIM,” says Robert May, Managing Director at RAMSAC. “Used properly, IM software can be a cost-saving business tool, left unchecked however, it can cause substantial IT and HR headaches.”

According to May. an estimated 350 million people will be using IM at work by 2005. In the UK alone, IM software is being used in 85% of all businesses yet is only officially sanctioned by 10% of them.

“Most companies don’t even realise that employees are using IM software. Unless appropriate IM tools are introduced and kept up to date, it’s almost impossible to control and monitor the amount of SPIM being received and the impact it has on systems security and operating efficiency.”

Sitting behind a company’s firewall, IM software offers ‘spimmers’ a direct route to potential victims. While IM users can block unsolicited messages, many don’t, meaning viruses, Trojans, spyware and other malicious programmes have a backdoor onto computers and networks.

“IM software can offer real benefits to business,” concludes May. “It can reduce e-mail traffic, provide free video conferencing and offer an alternative means of making voice calls. However, it can also allow viruses onto networks, provide a means for employees to share illegal digital content and become yet another distraction for staff.“

ramsac is offering UK companies advice on how to restrict the impact of SPIM in the office environment and how to implement, monitor and manage IM software. Companies that would like more information regarding RAMSAC’s SPIM solutions should call RAMSAC on 0870 756 9001 or e-mail info@ramsac.com

ramsac was founded in 1991 by Robert May & Sally Cooper and was conceived as an IT consultancy advising businesses nationwide on technology policies, strategic planning, networking purchasing and support. ramsac’s outsourced IT services provide a range of flexible IT solutions including helpdesk support, network health checks, on-site engineering, security audits, project management, IT human resources support and technology migration planning and implementation. From its head office in Surrey, ramsac provides a wide range of IT solutions to companies, charities, organisations and schools throughout the United Kingdom. ramsac is an ISO 9001 Quality Approved Firm, a Microsoft Certified Partner and an accredited "Investor in People."

ramsac is proud to maintain a 94% client retention rate with 92% of customers rating the overall service as outstanding or good. ramsac is committed to unbiased advice, providing excellence in customer service and ensuring its employee always go the extra mile for each and every client.

For more information on the issues raised in this release, photography or background information, please contact:

Paul Wooding/Natalie Johnson
MCC International
T: 01962 888 100
F: 01962 888 521
E: ramsac@mccint.com