Insiders pose biggest IT security risk

Many employees use their computers irresponsibly

Nearly 80 per cent of users believe that internal staff are the greatest risk to IT security, according to research by security firm Sophos.

The company warned that, despite instructions from IT departments, many employees continue to use their computers in an irresponsible manner.

The 'Sinful Seven' online activities at work, according to Sophos, are:

• Downloading music and movies
• Opening email attachments or clicking on links in unsolicited emails
• Surfing pornographic or other dubious websites
• Running 'joke' programs sent by friends and colleagues
• Installing unauthorised software and web browser plug-ins
• Giving information to unknown parties via phone or email
• Password sharing or using the same password on different websites

"In most cases it is not that people deliberately behave recklessly online, rather that they do not know how to act responsibly and may not be fully aware of the potential consequences of unsafe internet and email usage," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos.