Accessing social networks like Facebook or MySpace while at work may not be possible as research from Barracuda Networks indicates that 50 percent of businesses using Barracuda Web Filters are blocking the sites.

Half Of Employers Block MySpace Or Facebook

Forty-four percent of companies using Barracuda filters block MySpace. 26 percent block Facebook and 19.3 percent block both sites.

In a separate survey of IT professionals conducted by Barracuda found that 53 percent of businesses restrict surfing with filtering systems and around 65 percent plan to implement surfing restrictions in 2008. Close to 23 percent growth from year to year.

Seventy percent of businesses said the reason they had Internet restrictions was due to spyware or virus prevention. Fifty-two percent cited employee productivity concerns. Other concerns were bandwidth (36%) and liability issues (28%).

"Spyware is still a major concern," said Drako.  "Although the full implications of spyware are not always understood, many customers worry about spyware effects on productivity and security, and therefore want protection."

While most companies restrict employee Web surfing only 21 percent actively monitor employee Internet activity. Six percent have time restrictions on employee use of the Internet and 3 percent supplement company policies with restrictions by department or employee.

"Businesses are increasingly applying content-control mechanisms to protect their networks and maintain maximum organization productivity," said Dean Drako, president and CEO of Barracuda Networks. 

"With the changing face of the Internet, companies need the flexibility to continuously monitor and customize Internet policy enforcement while providing their employees optimum use of the Web."