Bi-polar response about workers use of Facebook etc.

Symantec Corp has announced that it wants its employees to be advocates for the company on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social networking websites.  This runs diametrically opposite to the approximately fifty percent of employers who want allow their employees access to Facebook etc. at work.

Can this be reconciled?  Perhaps.  Companies with significant product offerings, particularly those likely to appeal to the Internet savvy, would do well to follow Symantec’s lead and extend the company’s reach to new mediums and customers.  Construction companies and healthcare providers might example of companies with little to lose, at the moment, for not utilizing its employees to market their companies through social networking.

Norton anti-virus class action settlement

“If you purchased a Norton Anti-virus product between December 2001 and October of last year, you may be entitled to some money. Symantec has agreed to give those users a $15 voucher for a future purchase or $2.50 in cash. A class action suit alleged the company unlawfully terminated subscription time when consumers purchase upgrades. The plaintiffs demanded a credit or refund for that unused time, and there has been no admission of guilt.”

Article

Lawsuit:Norton anti-virus updates double-billing

According to a lawsuit filed in California Federal Court, a plaintiff upgraded her Norton anti-virus software and was charged for software twice; once for the renewal and once for the upgrade.  She claims when she contacted Symantec about the double-billing and asked what they would do to correct this error, they said “nothing.”

Complaint courtesy Courthousenews

No recession for cybercriminals

Symantec just issued a report on the underground economy in identity theft where the buying and selling of credit cards and bank accounts thrives.  One quote in particular chilled my spine.

“The popularity of financial account information is likely due to its potential for high payouts and the speed at which payouts can be made.  In one case, financial accounts were cashed out online to untraceable locations in less than 15 minutes.”

Particularly when you think about how long it takes to accumulate the funds they suck dry.

Report courtesy Symantec