I want to install network monitoring software

[Darren1]

Hey everyone, quick question.

I am currently wanting to install network monitoring software on the employee computers. I found that time wasting has become a serious issue and one that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. I do not want to prevent people from having fun, but at the same time, we are running a business. I am considering one product, but I want to get more information.

For those of you that have experience introducing network monitoring software, how did you do it? Did you announce it to your employees beforehand or did you just decide to go for it altogether? I would like to know what the forum thinks might be the best possible suggestion.

 

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[Gsuz]

I'd just use something like PRTG Network Monitor and announce "We are monitoring internet usage. No private browsing outside of breaks."

 

[Jake]

Any chance you can set goals or requirements to meet instead of this?

You'll end up wasting time stressing over every website they visit and / or they'll get upset that you're monitoring them. If anything..you may just want to block facebook / youtube or other time wasters during certain or all times?

Just my opinion as a former Network Admin that was forced to piss a lot of people off.

 

[Unknown]

Any chance you can set goals or requirements to meet instead of this?

You'll end up wasting time stressing over every website they visit and / or they'll get upset that you're monitoring them. If anything..you may just want to block facebook / youtube or other time wasters during certain or all times?

Just my opinion as a former Network Admin that was forced to piss a lot of people off.

I agree with jake. I deal with this daily, and the biggest problems are always a few sites. I'd add farmville to the list of blocked sites. Most of your employees will just end up using their smart phone when you aren't looking though. PFSense is a free linux server software that can do this for you, but it involves some education.

 

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[Nate-NewVenture]

If you add a layer seven tool to the mix, you risk layer seven issues (updates, crashes, hacks, bypasses, etc.). Of course if you're already using AV software at layer 7, they may have additional services to monitor/block web usage.

What we used to monitor usage was Solarwinds. Of course that is an expensive tool.

Another option is to monitor at layer 3. To do this you'll have to reorganize your network but if you're spending a lot using Cisco or Juniper, Watchguard is a very budget friendly router and for the non-network eng., it is easier to manage.

Just my 2 cents,
Nate-NewVenture