Only 40 Percent of Company Employees Take IT Security Seriously, According to Avira Survey

  • Nov 10, 2011

Almost equal numbers of company employees have very different views about corporate security according to the most recent survey of computer users from IT security expert Avira. During a September 2011 survey of Avira users, 38.95 percent of respondents adhere to security policies designed to protect their company, feeling it's important that the entire company stay vigilant. Almost as many people, 35.42 percent, admitted there are security policies in place at their business but didn't feel that anyone really cared whether those policies were followed or not.

For the rest of those polled, 25.63 percent, security is seen as a system administrator's responsibility and not an employee concern. Here is the question and the data from Avira's survey to users:

How careful are you when it comes to IT security in your company?

A)   38.95% - We have strict and detailed policies for IT security and the
entire company takes care to follow all the policies in order to protect the company.

B)   35.42% - We have security policies, but I don't think anybody cares if
we follow the policies or not.

C)   25.63% - I don't think about IT security at all; our system
administrators are responsible for security so it's not my concern.

-    991 respondents with a margin of error of +/- 3.11 percent.

"When we see that less than 40 percent of workers take IT security seriously while at work, we know there is more to be done when it comes to educating people about IT security," said Sorin Mustaca, data security expert at Avira. "Employees need to know that security goes beyond just having an antivirus program installed. In the last few years we have seen increasing software exploits used as attack vectors for performing malicious actions. It is critical to keep all installed software updated: starting with patches for the operating system to web browsers, mail clients, office productivity suites, and of course antivirus software."

Mustaca continued, "Holding regular employee sessions to address the importance of staying vigilant while at work to make sure nothing happens to the corporate or small business network is equally important. I am disappointed to see that a quarter of the users who took the survey are completely ignoring the importance of IT security. If all who access the Internet would fulfill some minimum security requirements then the online world would be a much safer place."

Featured

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • 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.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.