Work-obsessed Brits Causing Mobile Security Fears

Businesswoman-using-phone-on-the-go.jpgThe bring-your-own-device trend that has seen workers increasingly making use of their own smartphones and tablets for work purposes is leading to increased security risks as users access work documents at home, on public transport and even on holiday.

According to cloud-based identity and access management firm OneLogin, a quarter of UK employees admit that work apps are the first thing they view on their mobile devices when they wake up, ahead of social media (18 per cent) and news sites (11 per cent).

In addition, 66 per cent check work apps while on public transport, 30 per cent while in the car, 18 per cent while on a night out and 36 per cent while on holiday, all of which increases the opportunity for unauthorised personnel to access sensitive data.

In an even bigger security risk, Brits are also happy to share their secure work logins with those around them. 11 per cent of workers would readily give colleagues access to their work device, and nine per cent would grant their partners access. Overall, 35 per cent of Brits are willing to share their passwords for work-related technology, either devices or software.

“Whether we like it or not, the UK is becoming a nation of workaholics, quite literally carrying work around in our pockets, on public transport with us, on holiday, and even to the bathroom,” said Per Stritich, vice president of EMEA for OneLogin.

“Remote and desk-less employees are of course largely beneficial to organisations in terms of productivity and scaling down on costs. However, the correct measures need to be put in place to ensure remote workforces are accessing data securely and that its not placed in the hands of others. For example, single sign-on technologies and IAM solutions will ensure only the employee can access work data, no matter who else gets their hands on the device.”

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