The Samurai Sez: Nobody is "above the law." Security and usage policies are for everyone.

Sometimes, users will undertake actions that they think are beneficial for themselves, but don't realize how much risk they are putting themselves and the company at. This could be installing a rogue WAP, using unlicensed software, or bringing in a virus through a webmail application. For some users, explanation and education don't seem to have the desired effect. Have you ever had to take "unorthodox" measures to make sure that IT policies were being properly followed? Please share below.

As the executive assistant left the meeting room, I began to meditate, my mind becoming focused on the mission before me.

My inner calm manifested. I was ready.

I set a warrior's pace towards the Marketing Department. My focus intensified as I drew closer to my quarry.

I rounded the corner of a cubicle row, and my eyes lit upon my target. I lessened my pace even as my anger quickened.

Slowly drawing my katana, the hiss of cold metal all but imperceptible, I advanced forward. I was determined to end this with a single blow. Raising my sword above my head, I struck!

Afterwards, sheathing my blade, I knew I had been successful. But still, the example must be made obvious. Quickly, I unslung a length of CAT5 cable from my shoulder and began to work.

As I finished, a gaggle of Marketing drones turned the corner, obviously coming to find out what the commotion was. As one, they stopped, their eyes filled with fear. They beheld their wireless router, sliced cleanly in two, tied and dangling from the length of network cable I had looped through the false ceiling. I stood to one side, letting them take in the shock of what had happened. After a moment, I spoke loudly.

"Marketers! Know this. The CIO will no longer tolerate the flagrant disregard of his policies! This broken router will stay here, suspended in the air for all to see, and serve as a reminder, should you be tempted to install another one!"

One of the marketers tried to protest, but was silenced by his supervisor, who knew that the CIO's wrath must have been mighty indeed, to have authorized such a course of action. Nodding to them, I strode through the group, and made to return to my cubicle, sending the executive assistant a message via my Blackberry that the task was complete. As I left, I heard one of the marketing people whisper to a colleague "Does he always talk like that?"

Talk like what?

The results of the CIO's strategy were more than we could have hoped for. From that point on, there were no more reports of rogue WAPs from anywhere in the company. And though my reputation among the Marketers was lessened in the short term, the wise among them began to understand. That was all the satisfaction I required. The five pounds of freshly roasted Sumatran coffee beans I received from the CIO as a bonus didn't hurt either.