Fourth Annual Shred-It Security Tracker Reveals Canadian Businesses Continue to be Complacent About Information Security

Toronto, ON - A new study conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of Shred-It Security reveals that information security habits of Canadian c-suite executives and small business owners are becoming increasingly complacent.

According to the results of the study, while more small business owners are aware of legal requirements concerning storing and disposing of confidential data (83% in 2014 vs. 78% in 2013), they are no more likely to have an existing storage/disposal protocol that is strictly adhered to by all employees this year (46%) compared to last (46%). Three in ten (31%) even admit to having no storage or disposal protocol whatsoever.

C-suite respondents share similar views to small business owners as it relates to information security. Just four in ten (42%) executives admit to having a protocol in place that is strictly adhered to by all employees, with one in ten (13%) having no protocol at all.

A sizeable portion of both small business owners and c-suite executives are not practicing proper methods for disposing of sensitive documents, which could increase the likelihood of a security breach. Just one in ten (12%) small business owners in Canada state that they have a locked console in their office and a professional shredding service, compared to half (50%) of c-suites who say the same. One in ten small business owners (8%) and c-suite executives (10%) even admit to not shredding or storing documents and that they just throw these documents in the garbage.

The 4th annual Shred-It Security Tracker also reveals that nearly two-thirds (63%) of small business owners in Canada and one-third (33%) of c-suites do not have a cyber-security policy in place at their organization. Executives (67%) are nearly twice as likely as small business owners (37%) to acknowledge such a policy exists in their place of employment.

Many Canadian small business owners and executives believe the Canadian government needs firmer commitments to information security in order for them to do their part in protecting sensitive information. Four in ten (40%) small business owners and one in three (34%) c-suite executives believe their country's commitment to information security rates as `needing improvement' or `abysmal'. C-suite executives (66%) edge small business owners (58%) in giving the Canadian government positive marks on their information security commitments.

These are some of the findings of an Ipsos Reid poll conducted between April 28th to May 5th, 2014 on behalf of Shred-It Security. For this survey, a total sample of n=1,006 small business owners and n=100 c-suite level executives from Ipsos' Canadian online panel was interviewed online. Weighting was then employed to balance demographics to ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to Census data and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll is accurate to within +/- 3.5 percentage points had all small business owners in Canada been polled, and within +/- 11.2 percentage points had all c-suite executives been polled. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error.

For more information on this news release, please contact:

Sean Simpson
Vice President
Ipsos Reid
Public Affairs
(416) 572-4474
[email protected]

About Ipsos Reid

Ipsos Reid is Canada's market intelligence leader, the country's leading provider of public opinion research, and research partner for loyalty and forecasting and modelling insights. With operations in eight cities, Ipsos Reid employs more than 600 research professionals and support staff in Canada. The company has the biggest network of telephone call centres in the country, as well as the largest pre-recruited household and online panels. Ipsos Reid's marketing research and public affairs practices offer the premier suite of research vehicles in Canada, all of which provide clients with actionable and relevant information. Staffed with seasoned research consultants with extensive industry-specific backgrounds, Ipsos Reid offers syndicated information or custom solutions across key sectors of the Canadian economy, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, automotive, retail, and technology & telecommunications. Ipsos Reid is an Ipsos company, a leading global survey-based market research group.

To learn more, please visit www.ipsos.ca.

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks third in the global research industry.

With offices in 86 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across six research specializations: advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, public affairs research, and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of e1,712,4 million (2 274 M$) in 2013.

Visit www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos' offerings and capabilities.