Thursday, January 18, 2007
The Arts, Web 2.0, and Security
Web 2.0 offers an amazing way to post, collaborate, and engage a user base. The Arts Industry is fertile soil for a potential explosion of Web 2.0 usage. One of my favourite NPT companies, Compumentor, is a leader in the push to promote these kinds of technologies out to Non-profits. I have come to believe that Web 2.0 will become so entwined in the non-profit experience that our community will forget what it was to be stuck in Web 1.0. Those who don't embrace it will find themselves resonating less and less with target communities.
Don't just rush to get a Web 2.0 friendly site up and running though. Think about where it will be hosted, what kinds of data you will accept, and be cautious about security. It wouldn't take much for someone with foul intentions to upload a virus laden attachment just waiting for a hapless user to download it and open it. Beware of links added to a Web 2.0 site by a user--not the site owner--as they could lead to a site designed to load some kind of malware on your computer.
If you host your Web 2.0 site with an ISP, that removes one level of security issues from your internal network (not that I think hosting your Website from your local network is a good idea.) At least your internal systems can't be breached that way. There are many great hosted offerings from companies like Bryght (I have no affiliation, although one support site I'm managing is hosted by them) that will set up an environment that one can work from.
Decide if you will allow attachments, then limit the kinds of attachments that can be uploaded to your system. Never allow PHP as an allowable input format.
Make sure that you have the TIME to run a Web 2.0 site. You must be willing to care and feed these kinds of systems. It is essential that you review all posts and comments even if you don't filter the material before it is posted. Some security experts indicate that you should always review materials prior to allowing them to be posted. While this is a prudent action, it flies in the face of the interactive nature of Web 2.0 which feeds on a culture of instant gratification.
The trick to having a successful Web 2.0 site is to plan, plan, plan. Then choose a platform that will suit your organization. Post to it regularly--at least once a day if possible. Review all comments to ensure they fall within your guidelines. Remove inappropriate content, but be careful not to stifle true free speech.
