Aladdin Knowledge Systems, an information security provider, reportedly has announced that it is now offering advanced Web 2.0 application controls for popular social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.

 

The company’s latest release of the so-called “eSafe AppliFilter” allows customers to restrict specific functionality on popular social networks, such as Facebook’s (News - Alert) “Invite a Friend” or “Add a Friend” or LinkedIn’s “Huddle Workspace” application, says the company.

 

Graham Titterington, Principal Analyst at Ovum, said that blocking social networking sites altogether is not an option for businesses today, creating the need for other means that enable access while enhancing productivity and preventing unnecessary data leakage.

 

He added, “Web 2.0 security is a growing concern as businesses struggle to control content in social networking sites and control corporate Web 2.0 sites, aggregation services, as well as the development of ad-hoc applications.”

 

eSafe AppliFilter provides real-time filtering of malicious content as it enters the network. Similar to active IDS (Intrusion (News - Alert) Detection System), eSafe AppliFilter inspects all content in transit while remaining transparent to users.

 

Ofer Elzam, chief technical officer of content security at Aladdin, said that employers understand that social networking sites can be a useful business tool, but many of the functions within them can decrease productivity and increase security risks to data and identities.

 

“Until now, the choices for controlling these sites have been limited to either absolute blocking or allowing of the site,” Ofer Elzam said.

 

He said that the company’s latest eSafe AppliFilter update gives organizations the power to manage and control their employees’ access to specific aspects of Web 2.0 applications so they can minimize unnecessary risk and improve productivity while still capitalizing on the business and collaborative value these sites can bring.

 

Aladdin Knowledge System has been providing solution related to Software DRM, USB-based authentication, and secure Web gateways and has offices in 14 international locations, a worldwide network of channel partners.

 

Serving more than 30,000 customers worldwide, Aladdin products include: eToken, USB-based authentication solution; the eSafe secure Web gateway, providing the advanced protection against the latest Web-based threats and attacks; and HASP, for software developers and publishers to protect Intellectual Property, increase revenues, and reduce losses from software piracy.