[clue-tech] proxy to log chat

[Nate Duehr]

Chris Schock wrote:

> This may seem rather big brother, but with things like Bropia out there
> people really need to consider the risk of allowing chat.

And this comment starts to lead toward truth -- company policy must state:
1. Whether chat is allowed.
2. Whether chat is allowed for personal purposes.
3. Whether all communication on company systems is monitored.

If these items are not in place, you should turn down the request to 
monitor, or you should direct the requestor to the company attorney.

You could be involving yourself in something illegal, you simply don't 
know.  And you certainly have no protection from being implicated in a 
lawsuit later for negligence if you failed to make sure the request to 
monitor someone was appropriate.

Generally such requests by powerful people in organizations to have 
sysadmins are are ethical because the systems are owned by the company, 
but you need to know that published company policy is backing up your 
actions.

Sysadmins and network admins should consider carefully such requests and 
ask for confirmation that the person asking for such monitoring is aware 
of the implications of such a request.

You should also familiarize yourself with SAGE's Code of Ethics and ask 
your employer if you feel that their request will cause you to break it.

http://www.sage.org/ethics.mm

The best answer is always a proper security policy first before 
situations like this arise.

Nate