Employers back Web 2.0 for the workplace, says KPMG

Implementation of Web 2.0 governance structures varies by industry with some industries indicating they are "already there" and others planning to make significant changes in the next two years. Many respondents indicated that their organisations have not yet addressed the risks of Web 2.0 in any systematic way.

Fewer than half say they are currently putting in place governance programs that will guard data from unauthorised external access and only 28% have included Web 2.0 tools in their risk management processes.

Across industries, IT/Technology companies and Financial Services companies show most awareness of the risks of Web 2.0 and have taken steps to head them off, 52% and 60% respectively have policies in place to protect digital content from unauthorised access, with the remainder indicating they will do so within two years.

Just over a third of respondents in the entertainment, media, publishing and communications sectors currently have policies in place, despite digitalisation being most advanced within these sectors. Industries such as automotive and construction and real estate are further ahead with 40% and 50% respectively having these policies in place.

KPMG's Chairman of Technology, Crispin O'Brien, said: "It could be that technology and financial services companies are more attuned to these risks due to the less tangible nature of the products they deal in, compared with construction or automotive industries."