Thu Sep 26 13:57:41 UTC 2024: ## Employees Sharing Sensitive Data Despite Cybersecurity Concerns: New Report

A new report from CybSafe reveals a concerning trend: 38% of employees admit to sharing sensitive information without their employer’s knowledge. The study, conducted across seven countries, highlights a growing disconnect between employees’ online habits and their understanding of cybersecurity practices.

Despite 53% of respondents being “always online,” significant gaps in security awareness persist. A concerning 23% of employees skip security training, believing they already know enough, while 46% find online safety measures frustrating. This lack of awareness is reflected in password habits, with 35% of participants including sensitive personal information in their passwords.

While 81% of employees have heard of multi-factor authentication (MFA), only 66% understand and actively use it. This lack of security awareness has led to a rise in cybercrime, with 35% of participants reporting being victims of cyberattacks, an 8% increase from last year. Phishing scams remain the most common threat, though their prevalence has slightly decreased.

The report highlights younger generations as particularly vulnerable, with 52% of Gen Z and 46% of Millennials reporting losses due to online scams.

Oz Alashe, CEO of CybSafe, emphasizes the importance of bridging the awareness gap: “The introduction of AI has created a whole new category of security behaviors for CISOs and business leaders to be concerned with. While the security community is well aware of the threats posed by AI, it’s clear this awareness has not yet translated into consistent security behaviors within the workforce.”

Alashe emphasizes the need for businesses to provide their employees with the necessary tools and resources to practice safe online behavior, stressing that “People are eager to act responsibly, but it is ultimately up to business leaders to equip them with the necessary tools to succeed.”

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