Google's free services can boost productivity, however does it pay off through all of the privacy you lose? It can put your business at risk if you're not careful. (Info provided by PC World magazine)
Service: Risk: Explanation/Description:
Google Search Privacy Tying your search history to your browsing activities via
the DoubleClick advertising network gives the company
a much more detailed view of your online activities.
Gmail Privacy The routing information and content of your mail - including
any attachments - reside unencrypted on Google servers.
Legal Liability Loss of, or unauthorized access to, business correspondence
increases your company's legal exposure.
Google Docs & Spreadsheets Privacy Your files are stored unencrypted on Google servers.
Legal Liability A business could be found negligent if it loses, or allows
unauthorized access to, business documents.
Loss of Access Until applications supporting Googles Gear arrives, you
lose access to your files when your internet connection fails.
Picasa Web Albums Privacy Photographs in albums designated "unlisted" can still be
viewed by anyone who knows the URL.
Loss of Access At present you have no option to view or backup your albums
offline.
Google Calendar Privacy Your daily schedule and associated information reside
unencrypted on Google servers.
Legal Liability Loss of, or unauthorized access to, business information puts
your business at risk.
Loss of Access You can't open your calendar without an internet link, although
this will change with the arrival of the Google Gears browser
extension.
Google Desktop Privacy If you neglect to lock the search function, anyone using your
PC has access to your personal files.
Legal Liability Copies of business documents may be stored on Google
servers, making them succeptible to loss or unauthorized
access.
Google Talk Privacy Instant-message logs can be archived and searched in Gmail.
Google Product Search Privacy A log of your product searches could be associated with your
browsing history via the pending DoubleClick acquisition.
