IT depts. block games at work

Anti-virus vendor Sophos will add a new functionality to its software, Anti-virus 6.0 and Application Control to give companies the ability to control and block top-selling computer games.

The feature will allow IT departments to selectively block, VoIP, peer-to-peer (P2P), Instant Messaging (IM) and distributed computing applications, without locking the computer.

A recent Sophos poll showed the security and efficiency concerns that system administrators have when it comes to computer games.

In the poll, 90.4 percent of respondents said they want the ability to block games, with 62 percent indicating this is essential, said Rob Forsyth, managing director for Sophos Asia Pacific.

In addition to providing system administrators with the power to block popular games from 15 major games publishers, including Eidos Interactive, SEGA and Electronic Arts, the functiona will also be extended over time to control employees' access to games by other developers, he said.

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