Information Security and Virtual Teams

Abstract

This article contends that there are two increasingly important phenomena for organisations: the existence of virtual teams and the realisation that information needs to be protected more effectively. On-line communication methods expose organisations to issues regarding security of their ICT infrastructure, systems and data. At the same time, making possible virtual teams able to be unconstrained in purpose, time or location. While security measures are built into the teams' communication channels and processes, the perceptions, practices and organizational background of team members are equally important to the security of information being exchanged. A socio-technical approach is called for when investigating different perceptions of information security by individual team members, how they negotiate a common understanding for the team and what complexities and practices are introduced in multi-organisation teams. The article sets out issues which may need to be considered and proposes a course of research to increase understanding of the situation.