Employers may benefit from implementing procedures to address software employees download to company computers for both personal and business use. Monitoring software on company computers can cut the risk of malware or potential viruses infecting company data.
An approved software procedure typically originates in the IT department. The IT department can identify those programs that are necessary or appropriate for business use. Documentation of the approved software should be maintained and periodically updated as the needs of the business evolve.
Consider these tips for creating an approved software procedure:
Maintaining an Approved Software List and Policy will help employers keep abreast of employer-provided computers and monitor potentially destructive software being used through the employer's computer system.