The majority of UK firms are leaving their networks open to
malware and data theft by turning a blind eye to
widespread employee use of removable media devices such
as iPods, MP3 players and
USB flash drives.
Research published today claims that a staggering two-thirds of IT
professionals who use USB flash drives at work admitted that they did not
protect them with encryption even though they are aware of the associated
dangers.
According to the survey of 300 UK IT professionals, most UK organisations
have yet to address the problem of removable media.
The poll found that such devices are being used in 84 per cent of companies
and, on average, a third of employees are using them in the office.
Some 90 per cent of those surveyed said they were aware of the potential
danger that removable media presents, and a third of organisations admitted that
removable media is being used without authorisation.
"With removable media plummeting in price, soaring memory capacity and more
people using them at work, companies need to be aware of how easy it is for
staff to use them, lose them or take competitive information away on them, all
in the palm of their hands," the study, commissioned by mobile security firm
Pointsec, warned.
"If lost or stolen, vast amounts of valuable information could seriously
expose a company to extortion, digital identity fraud, or damage to their
reputation, integrity and brand."
Martin Allen, managing director at Pointsec UK, added "There seems little
point in companies spending vast sums of money on information security if
they're letting staff use these devices at work which allow unhindered access to
vast quantities of sensitive company information."
Do you agree?
Have your say on this article