Code42 recently released their 2020 Data Exposure Report and surveyed 4,505 knowledge workers in the US and Europe detailing the damage caused by insider threats. With immense amounts of data being shared every day through emails, AirDrops, messaging, and mobile devices, the risk of security breaches and data leaks have grown exponentially. The ability to easily transfer data isn’t the only factor for increased security risks. The workforce has changed dramatically over the years, and employees are changing jobs at a rapid pace. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, sensitive data can easily be leaked that can cause a loss in revenue and damage your company’s brand.
Collaboration tools have changed the game when it comes to sharing data between coworkers. This has only increased over the past several months with so many organizations implementing work from home practices. While this has become part of our daily routine, the unintended consequences of collaboration tools have made sensitive data more prone to leaks and attacks.
Many of these unsanctioned tools don’t have the necessary security measures in place to help protect your company’s data. Out of convenience, workers are migrating to tools such as WhatsApp, Google Drive, and personal email to share files. 37% of workers have said that they use unauthorized apps every day, while 26% stated that they share files with colleagues weekly.
Workforce turnover has become a constant insider threat to an organization’s sensitive data. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job turnover is currently at an all-time high. Turnover creates risk, and the simple act of an employee changing jobs can tempt them to take sensitive information with them when they leave. Regardless of the motivation, 63% of employees have admitted to taking data with them to their new job.
These facts should be a wake-up call for your security team. It’s important to realize that internal threats to your company’s data can be dangerous, as can outside threats.
For more information, and to download the full report, click here.