OneLogin, a global leader in identity and access management, released a new global study examining the security implications of the shift to remote work due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The study of 5,000 remote employees from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and the United States, reveals that security measures and password best practices have not taken priority in many regions. To access the full study, visit: https://www.onelogin.com/blog/world-password-day-2020
Nearly 1 in 5 (17.4%) global respondents have shared their work device password with either their spouse or child, potentially exposing corporate data. External threats were also a factor with 36% of global respondents admitting they have not changed their home WiFi password in more than a year, leaving corporate devices exposed to a potential security breach.
The speed required to institute remote work in the early part of 2020 has left many companies vulnerable, particularly as it relates to using work devices for personal purposes. The majority of global remote workers agree (63%) that organisations will align in favour of continued remote work post-pandemic. If this trend continues, many businesses are unknowingly putting company data at risk.
“Organisations everywhere are facing unprecedented challenges as millions of people are working from home, said Brad Brooks, CEO and president of OneLogin. “Remote work security is mission-critical for managing and securing digital identities for workforces and customers in this challenging environment.”
A closer look at how individual countries practice security highlights differences in password sharing, willingness to access high-risk websites and more. The study found the following:
- Risky sites: 5% of UK consumers admitted to accessing adult entertainment from a work device, in comparison to 17% of US consumers.
- Home networks: UK consumers are the worst in the world for WiFi security, with 50% of them not having changed their WiFi password in more than a year, compared to the global average of 36%.
- Device security: Half (50%) of UK consumers did not change their work device’s password when they began remote working
- Shadow IT: 10% of UK consumers have downloaded an application to help them with their work without their work’s permission, and 17% have accessed work applications from a non-work device.
- The dawn of the remote workforce: 60% of UK consumers expect a change in business culture towards remote working, compared to 73% in France and 50% in the US.
“This global remote work study shines the light on the importance of ensuring the right people are accessing internal and customer data at all times. It underscores the importance of protecting employees and their entire organizations, aligning with privacy and security best practices around the world,” Brooks said.
The OneLogin Trusted Experience Platform is the foundation to build simple and secure experiences between people and technology.
About OneLogin, Inc.
OneLogin is the identity platform for secure, scalable and smart experiences that connect people to technology. With the OneLogin Trusted Experience Platform, customers can connect all of their applications, identify potential threats and act quickly. Headquartered in San Francisco, OneLogin secures over 2,500 customers worldwide, including Airbus, Stitch Fix and AAA. To learn more visit www.onelogin.com.
