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New Study Reveals Lack Of Visual Privacy Measures Leads To Data Security Risks
Published May 25, 2011
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A new study, conducted by People Security and commissioned by 3M revealed that two thirds of employees expose sensitive data outside the workplace some even exposing highly regulated and confidential information such as customer credit card details. The study indicated that most companies do not have policies or measures in place to protect sensitive information from computer screen snooping when employees are working in public places. With a recent regional study also revealing that the Middle East has witnessed a dramatic 1,825.3% growth in the number of internet users in the last decade (2000 to 2010), increasing the penetration to 29.8% and translating into a total of 63.2 million users, there’s never been a more important time to protect your private information on laptop, netbook, desktop and smartphone screens. Now, 3M’s Privacy Filters are available in the Middle East to offer cost effective simple solutions for one of modern’s times most complex issues.
“With the rise in mobile workers carrying confidential data with them outside the office, snooping is no longer a harmless hobby and may represent a weak link in corporate data security practices. Indeed, 3M’s global survey revealed that 80% of respondents thought that prying eyes posed a risk to their companies and 76% of people were concerned about other people seeing their screens in public places. What this translates to is that people are now becoming aware that even a quick look at your screen from a roaming attacker can mean trouble for you and your business,” says Ismail Mapara, Business Manager CEE & MEA for Display & Graphics, 3M.
The Middle East has an especially high mobile population and as its citizen’s demand world class advanced technology and convenience - including video communication and remote office spaces, companies must pro-actively address their data security practices. As people use the region as a hub for business and travel, and are frequenting public establishments – such as airports, restaurants and cafes – to work at their convenience, it has become even more crucial for individuals and companies to protect their information. In fact, the study revealed that 55% of working professionals used their laptops and smart phones in a high-traffic public area for at least 1 hour per week.
“Today’s latest smart phones now make it possible for a data thief to take a high resolution picture of confidential information on a computer screen and retrieve readable data without any hacking necessary. Information revealed on mobile devices outside the workplace now creates a window into a corporation’s most confidential data whether it is regulated or simply company secrets and significantly raises the threat level of visual data breaches”, said Ismail
The popularity of smartphone ownership in the Middle East is growing steadily, with a recent study revealing penetration rates reaching 15 per cent in the UAE and 11 per cent in Saudi Arabia. And smartphone penetration is only expected to grow by 11 per cent over the next three years in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. According to statistics recently released by intelligence firm International Data Corporation (IDC), 1.7 million smart phones were shipped to the UAE last year, a 46% increase since 2009.
As this regional trend continues to evolve whereby individuals require instant access to both their personal and sensitive company information while on the go it becomes more evident that prevention measures need a top priority for organisations.
“Companies know they need to protect confidential information, but the threat of a visual data breach has historically been low on the priority list. This study should convince companies to reassess their data security policies and tools to determine how to better protect against visual data breaches when employees are working outside the office. At 3M, we address the risk of visual privacy in our Electronic Resources policy by requiring employees to take appropriate measures to protect 3M confidential information in public places by using privacy filters,” concluded Ismail.
3M’s unique line, of light and easy-to-use screens Privacy Filers to cover any screen from laptops to netbook, to desktops and even smartphones, ensures confidential and private information is kept private by allowing only the person facing the front of the screen and standing up close to see it. 3M’s Privacy Filters also reduce glare, protect fragile LCD screens from scratches and fingerprints, are easy to attach and remove and a residue free and are useable with stylus on resistive touch screens. Best of all with their anti glare features, they protect your eyes as well as your private information. Portable computing technology has erased the line between virtual reality and actual reality. 3M Privacy Filters and Films free you to take your digital life with you safely, wherever life takes you. Please visit: http://www.3MPrivacyFilters.com/whitepapers.
About 3M:
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
For more information:
Rita Habash
3M Gulf Ltd.
T: +971 4 367 0777
E: rhabash@mmm.com
Gregory Henderson
Manning, Selvage and Lee
T: +971 4 367 6152
E: gregory.henderson@dubai.mslpr.com
Posted by
VMD - [Virtual Marketing Department]
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