Cisco Image Analysis scans images for illicit content in incoming and outgoing email. With it, you can identify, monitor, and educate offending users.
Multilayered detection: Image Analysis uses 11 detection methods. They include advanced edge detection, body part separation, body part layout, and more.
Configurable verdict settings: A filter rule helps you to determine which actions to take, based on the following verdicts:
These verdicts represent a numeric value assigned by algorithms to determine the probability of illicit content. The following default values are recommended:
Embedded-image scanning: JPEG, BMP, PNG, TIFF, GIF, TGA, ICO, and PCX files can all be inspected. The content-scanning engine extracts embedded files from more than 400 file types, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Policy integration: Image Analysis works with message and content filters and helps enable policy-based filtering and reporting. The filtering infrastructure allows a combination of actions based on a single filter match. You can create reports in both PDF and CSV formats.
Many network administrators admit that they do not have any idea what inappropriate image content is moving in and out of (or may be residing on) their network. The Image Analysis management tool allows visibility into the problem and a simple way to identify policy offenders.
The easy-to-use interface and integration with content filtering and reporting infrastructure provides network administrators with a simple deployment and monitoring tool to successfully enforce company policies.
In cases involving a hostile working environment, U.S. Supreme Court rulings have held employers liable for the actions of employees. Laws in places such as Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia also hold employers responsible for employee actions.
Based on data collected by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the average sexual harassment verdict against employers has been more than US$250,000. Even in cases where U.S. employers have successfully defended themselves from such claims, the legal costs have averaged about $100,000.
However, court rulings and laws have indicated that an employer may not be held legally responsible if the employer has exercised reasonable care to prevent and promptly correct any harassing behavior. Image Analysis provides detection, reporting, and policy enforcement features that can help employers defend themselves in such situations.
Companies spend very large sums to develop a brand image and to project that image worldwide. In financial, government, and medical establishments the image is conservative, secure, and professional. For large retailers, a family-friendly image is important.
The effect of negative publicity on these carefully crafted images can be very serious -- potentially leading to ridicule in the press and lost revenue.
Image Analysis enables employers to proactively thwart such threats by monitoring corporate email messaging and taking necessary remediation steps.
Research has shown that important and high-profile company employees are often the ones who transmit and receive inappropriate content. Enforcement of company policies generally results in dismissal or discipline of these employees for network abuse, resulting in loss of valuable company assets. With AUP and Image Analysis technology, a company can take insurance against this possible loss.