Security expert and acquaintance Dave Piscitello sent me a note saying that Fred can't take the place of security equipment like spam and virus filters, and perimeter security from firewalls and gateways. That's exactly correct, and I should have made mention of that fact more clearly in the column.

Repeat: Fred supports your existing security system, not replaces it. The biggest value Fred provides is to eliminate any confusion by co-workers. Anything unusual? Send it to Fred.

Dave also mentions that many large companies actively discourage Freds in their organizations. I like to think that working with Fred, even in large companies, will provide more benefits than squelching Fred.

Are you a Fred? Does your company have a Fred? If so, does Fred help?

James