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

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 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.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.