Industry news

Employees leak company data

More than two-fifths of employees from large firms have leaked information or data from their employers, according to a new survey.

Data from Proofpoint research revealed that half of all organisations did not provide staff with adequate training on how to handle sensitive data.

The research linked ignorance and a lack of training in staff to the rise in data loss cases, reports internetnews.com.

It also found many businesses reported having a security policy but not fully communicating it to staff.

Keith Crosely, director of market development for the firm, told the website: "There are cost issues in training. IT security sometimes does take a back seat to other issues."

He added it is a classic battle between senior management - who decide on funding - and IT departments.

Many firms became "religious" about the data loss issue after an incident has occurred, making it too late, he concluded.

A recent study by Unisys revealed that losing personal details is ranked as the British public's biggest concern.