A worrying number of UK office workers admit to putting work-related data at risk whilst working off-site, according to research released by Fasthosts Internet Ltd, a leading web hosting provider. The study of 1000 British office workers(1) finds that 37 per cent have taken risks with work-related data or documents, such as using personal or home computers, or taking a slack approach to data security whilst outside of the office. 1 in 4 office workers admit to committing at least one ‘data security sin' such as losing a USB device, leaving laptops unattended in public (such as on a train), or keeping work-related files in a car overnight. The study reveals that very few UK office workers use a secure online method of transferring work data to and from their workplace.
Fasthosts' 'Bad Data Habits Audit' reveals that many British office workers may be putting their companies at risk by transferring or saving work-related materials off-site without sufficient care. The study reveals that whilst only 15 per cent of workers know they have lost data, 37 per cent admit they have cut-corners and put data at unnecessary risk whilst away from the office. 1 in 4 office workers take significant risks with their behaviour, such as losing a storage device or papers, or leaving laptops unsecured in public or in their cars. Worryingly, 1 in 4 respondents keep work-related data from the past stored on their home computers. 1 in 5 workers admit to frequently risking important documents by failing to make any back-up copy.
The data reveals that in most cases individual workers are expected to determine their own method for transferring data off site. The most commonly used method of data storage and transfer off-site is the USB stick (25 per cent), followed by a work email account (24 per cent), laptop (14 per cent), private email account (9 per cent) and paper documents (9 per cent). Due to their small size, USB sticks are easily lost when off-site or traveling. In addition, USB drives are a common way for computer viruses to be spread between machines. By transferring data in this way, employees can expose their office systems to any viruses or malware that is present on personal or public computers.
Steve Holford of Fasthosts said "Businesses can make the mistake of viewing data security as an on-site issue. Often the risks can lie with physical loss or with personal computers. Firms should identify how their staff transfer and handle business documents outside of the work-place, and minimize the risks by providing them with clear advice and a secure and easy to use solution for handling the data".
