Survey: Federal Employees Go Beyond Mandatory IT Security Requirements

Most federal employees go beyond baseline IT security requirements, according to a new survey by the Government Business Council, the research division of Government Executive Media Group, and CDW Government LLC (CDW-G), a  provider of technology solutions to government, education and healthcare customers. 

While 97 percent of federal employees are required by their agencies to use authentication measures such as passwords, security tokens and biometric identifiers, most take still more security precautions to protect agency data.  Respondents noted that they proactively lock their screens when they are away from their computers and only use secure network connections and agency-issued machines to further secure information.
 
“Today’s cybercriminals have multiple routes for illegally acquiring information, whether by stealing physical machines, tapping into unsecure wireless networks or propagating malware,” said Andy Lausch, vice president of federal for CDW-G.  “Federal employees -- the majority of whom spend at least some time each week working remotely -- keenly understand that they must take extra steps to secure confidential and sensitive agency data.”
 
The survey, underwritten by CDW-G in partnership with HP, conducted in September, captured the views of 230 randomly selected federal defense and civilian decision makers. 
 
Respondents said they were more likely to undertake additional security precautions inside the office than outside of it.  Eighty-six percent said that IT security measures have prevented them from being able to access the information they need to be productive while working remotely.  Most agreed agencies could improve the functionality, responsiveness and ease-of-use of IT offerings provided outside of the office.  
 
“Enabling access to information while ensuring it is secure is a delicate balance that agencies grapple with every day,” said Christina Morrison, public sector marketing manager, Personal Systems Group, HP.  “Fortunately, advancements in security and mobility technologies can enable near-seamless computing for remote employees.  Employees can not only accomplish the business of government from anywhere and at any time, but also with the same level of productivity as if they were in the office.” 
 
Eighty-nine percent of respondents said they work outside their regular offices, and of those, 59 percent work offsite at least weekly.  While away from their regular offices, respondents perform routine tasks including checking work-related e-mail; reading, composing or sending work-related documents; and participating in work-related calls.  Seventy-one percent of respondents said that they are eligible for telework.  In addition to working from home or a telework center, respondents said they work remotely while in transit to work, at another agency’s office, from program sites and while traveling.
 
“Cybersecurity becomes even more important as agencies work to expand teleworking and continuity of operations capabilities,” said Bryan Klopack, director, Government Business Council.  “Even training employees on basic security techniques, such as logging off of a network when they are not using it, can go a long way toward minimizing cybersecurity risks.”

Featured

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • The Future is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reason. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. But as the number of cameras grows and resolutions push from HD to 4K and beyond, the cloud’s limits are becoming unavoidable. Bandwidth bottlenecks. Latency lags. Rising storage costs. These are not abstract concerns. Read Now

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.