Sensitive Data Protection Underestimated by Companies

Shred-it, a company that destroys confidential documents, conducted a study showing how small American businesses address the problem of sensitive data protection.

The results are alarming: about 69% of owners do not believe, or are not aware, that data can be lost or even stolen. This passive attitude makes companies vulnerable and exposes them to potential economic damage and, consequently, damage to brand credibility.

This false sense of security is confirmed by the statistics from Shred-it studies:

• 40% of companies have no protocols governing the protection of sensitive data.

• More than one third of companies do not train staff on IT security procedures.

• 48% of companies do not have data security management.

• Only 18% would like new laws to be passed guaranteeing data privacy and imposing heavy sanctions on those who threaten a company's security, to discourage malicious actors.

Mike Skidmore, Privacy and Security Officer at Shred-it, stated:

“We have seen a consistent increase in small businesses without protocols for sensitive data protection. A first step will be to raise awareness of the policies and procedures for it. Organizations face many risks, but protecting sensitive data can prevent potential financial and reputational damage.”

Companies currently operate in increasingly large supply chains, providing services to vendors and sharing information to facilitate transactions. This inevitably increases risks related to data security, which should be offset by higher IT security standards. Companies must reassess the risks connected to these practices: who guarantees that partners implement adequate sensitive-data protection?

What is needed is a broad policy covering suppliers and partners, so that user data is protected.

Companies are trying to activate policies and processes to improve sensitive data protection. Professionals in the sector can help companies protect corporate networks and web applications. In Italy, EasyAudit is the best choice for assessing the vulnerabilities of your portal, reserved area, website or application. All at contained costs and with a guarantee for your customers, thanks to EasyAudit Checked certification!