SIVACRACY.NET: Better Put On A Happy Face At Work

The Department of Homeland Security is warning corporate America about the dangers of disgruntled workers, to wit:

"A study sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security has found that corporate insiders who sabotage computers and networks are motivated mainly by anger against their bosses. The DHS examined a number of cases involving computer sabotage over the past six years, focusing most intently on why employees felt the need to attack networks, steal data and wreak technological havoc within their companies. Most attackers were motivated not by financial gain, the study found, but by a sense of revenge against their superiors. The study also noted that most attackers typically worked in technology departments like I.T., and had specific beefs, like getting laid off or missing a promotion.

Wrench in the Works
"A review of the sabotage cases revealed an array of techniques for hurting a company through its electronic resources. Attacks included deleting mission-critical software and data, posting pornography on a company's Web site and taking down an entire network. Almost all the employees took numerous steps to conceal their identities, with some even posing as coworkers.

Heads Up
"In reporting the motivations of internal saboteurs, researchers noted that many employers do not report such attacks, even if there is financial damage to the company. The report, released by the Secret Service and the CERT Coordination Center at Carnegie Mellon University, recommends that companies pay better attention to employees being written up for disciplinary action. Researchers also advise companies to adopt formal grievance procedures to minimize tension between managers and their employees.

Protect Yourself
"The recent study highlights the importance of pre-employment screening, but also the need for vigilance in terms of employee attitudes, said John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

"It's not difficult to see when employees are unhappy," he said. "There's an increase in absenteeism, lower productivity and general negativity in the workplace."

"Companies that are sensitive to these types of issues are likely to see numerous benefits to paying more attention to employee issues, Challenger said.

"It's very basic," he said. "Happy employees benefit the company, while disgruntled employees put it at risk, in many different ways."

You can download the report here. What an interesting use of Homeland Security resources. When the article says "Protect Yourself" it is clear that the "you" this article is aimed at is the employer.