FAST threatens blind-eye directors

The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) has made fresh threats this week aimed at those companies still failing to ensure their networks aren't harbouring illegal files and has pointed the finger of blame at IT departments.

In a recent audit of 2,500 PCs at an unnamed UK financial services company, FAST found 5,800 illegal music files. Many companies have previously turned a blind eye to staff downloading music at work, or bringing it in from home on an iPod or similar device. Such tolerance - often regarded as a perk - has also given rise to the growth of file-sharing and software piracy within companies.

But it is the oblivious company directors who are running the risk of criminal prosecution while IT staff prone to "fobbing off" their bosses exacerbate the problem, according to FAST.

John Lovelock, director general at FAST, said: "All too often IT policy enforcement and management is left solely to the IT department. But directors must not allow themselves to be fobbed off by IT staff as they can also be the culprits."

"Company directors need to have a firm grip on their technically able IT staff."

Lovelock said company directors need to realise tolerating such abuses is tantamount to picking up a piece of software from the shelf of a shop and walking out. He said ignorance is no defence and added that FAST will now be upping its efforts to nail offenders.