Fifth of office workers have access to data from old job

NEARLY a fifth of office workers in Ireland still have access to the company data of a previous employer, according to a survey by cybersecurity firm HCS, which has a base in Citywest.

The Censuswide survey found that nearly a half of respondents admit they use it in their current job.

A further 43 per cent said that in the job they have now, they have access to privileged or sensitive company data that they shouldn’t and of those respondents, 52% admitted that they access it.

As a result of the access given, 61% of office workers don’t trust their employer to protect their own personal data, while one in six of those polled say that their organisation’s cybersecurity measures prevent them from doing their job effectively.

Some of those surveyed are finding ways around this, with 22 per cent of office workers admitting to having bypassed internet access controls implemented by their organisation by using tools such as a web proxy to access blocked sites.

Dan Hegarty, Head of Sales, HCS, said: “These findings highlight the urgent need for organisations to proactively manage access permissions and implement robust access policies. In doing so, businesses can mitigate the risk of unauthorised data exposure and protect their valuable assets against potential breaches.

In addition, providing ongoing awareness training can empower employees to play an active role in protecting company data.

Not only will this bolster the security of sensitive customer and company information; it will uphold trust with employees regarding the safeguarding of their own personal data.”