Almost 60% Say They’ve Stolen Company Data
Privacy and security research company Ponemon Institute, Michigan, has released a report stating up to 60% of people have admitted to stealing company data upon leaving their jobs.
And it may not be for the reasons that you think.
Perhaps most chillingly of all, companies admit to as much as expecting some degree of data breaches within the organization and that it is “just something they have to live with,” spokespeople told BBC News in a report on the Ponemon findings.
Read on to find out how it’s no longer the “big guy” you may need to fear—and how everyday workers are nudging already troubling identity theft numbers higher yet.
Pencils, Paper Clips…Social Security Numbers
Corporate theft isn’t a new concept, and losses due to petty thefts (such as reams of paper, calculators and even paper clips) have long added up to the millions or even billions nationally.
But the insidious idea has taken an ominous turn with the latest trend in company theft: stealing identifying date on coworkers, employers, clients and the company itself.
According to the Ponemon survey, which encompassed more than 900 surveyed individuals, nearly six out of ten people stated that not only would they steal company data when leaving…but that at some point in the past, they already have.
Fear-Based Motives
If the news itself is shocking, the reasoning behind it will also as a surprise…and may be more based on fear than greed, Ponemon researchers told the BBC.
According to the company’s findings, a large number of the data thefts occurred in response to firing and layoffs and were based the ex-employee’s fears that he or she might not be able to find new work without using insider information.
“(Ex-employees) are making these judgments based out of fear and anxiety,” stated Mike Spinney of Ponemon. “People are worried about their jobs and want to hedge their bets.”
Spinney added, “Our study showed that 59% of people will say ‘I’m going to take something of value with me when I go’.”
Companies Aren’t Surprised
While the news will leave mouths dropping all over the nation (and globally), companies themselves expressed little if any surprise.
“Many firms believe insider data breaches are the cost of doing business,” Spinney told the BBC.
However, a percentage of the thefts may be preventable, he added: “…this study shows these are preventable events,” particularly if certain security measures are put in place and are practiced regularly, the BBC reported.
The full story can be found here.
