Travelers Survey Explores Trends in Social Media

Results show importance of developing policies to address social media usage and
communicating with employees to reduce risk
NEW YORK--(Business Wire)--
A survey released today by Travelers reveals how the use of social media can
expose businesses to risk. As the Travelers Global Technology business unit
commemorates its 25-year anniversary, it conducted a national online survey of
more than 2,000 adults to explore trends in social media and the potential risks
to businesses.

A key finding in the survey shows that one out of eight respondents indicated
that they post work-related information on social media Web sites. In fact, 30
percent feel it is acceptable to post information online about their employer as
long as they believe it is true. Survey results also showed that more than 75
percent of those who post anything personal online said they were "not at all"
or "not very concerned" about information posted online causing professional
damage.

"As the use of social media grows at an unprecedented rate, especially among 30
to 49-year-olds, the likelihood of businesses being affected by employee social
media use also increases," said Kathy Swendsen, President of Travelers Global
Technology. "An employee could inadvertently post confidential information that
could cause irreparable harm to a business. In addition, the speed and ease of
publication to a wide audience makes it virtually impossible to remove the
information once it is posted."

The growth of social media and the lack of awareness among employees and
employers on how social media is changing the corporate landscape could increase
a company`s risk exposure. "Travelers conducted this survey as part of our
continuing commitment to help our customers and agents understand the
ever-changing risks that innovation creates. The Travelers survey results should
encourage businesses to understand the extent of coverage that is already in
place to address social media risks and exposures, and determine where gaps may
exist," Swendsen said. "Employees` increased use of social media may amplify a
businesses` exposure to potential liabilities such as harassment, defamation,
copyright infringement and privacy violations."

The Travelers survey results also indicate that two-thirds of respondents say
their company does not have a policy in place for social media usage, or they
are not aware that one exists. "By implementing policies to address social media
usage and making employees aware of those policies, businesses can reduce their
exposures to legal liabilities, breaches of proprietary information and damage
to a company`s brand and reputation," Swendsen added.

In order to help reduce potential risks, businesses should consider the
following best practices:

* Develop a business-use policy - Develop a policy to govern employee actions on
social media tools that a company might deploy within the company`s network, as
well as provide guidelines for how employees should conduct themselves on
external social media sites whether or not they are representing their
affiliation to the company.
* Communicate and train employees - Communicating the social media policy to
employees will help them understand what is acceptable when it comes to
publishing online. Businesses should provide annual training regarding the
proper use of social media tools as well as e-mail, instant messaging, blogging
and Internet usage.
* Enforce the policy - A proactive and reactive plan should be in place to
address employees who violate the policy.

Survey results are available at www.travelers.com/business/technology

NOTE: The Travelers social media survey was independently managed by a national
independent research firm among 2,060 adults (aged 18 and over) across the
United States. Travelers was not revealed as the sponsor to respondents.

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. is a leading property casualty insurer selling
primarily through independent agents and brokers. Travelers understands that
life and business are inherently dynamic and that the best way to serve
customers is to deliver insurance in-synch with evolving risks. The company`s
diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage in
the auto, home and business settings. A Fortune 100 company, Travelers has
33,000 employees and 2008 revenues of approximately $24 billion. Travelers stock
is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TRV) and is a component of the
Dow Jones Industrial Average. For more information on being in-synch, visit
www.travelers.com.

The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Media:
Gail Liebl, APR
651-310-6902 or 651-270-3447

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