British Business At Risk From Security Apathy

Compaq Survey Reveals Lax Attitude Toward Data Security

The recent spate of high-profile laptop thefts has served as a wake-up call to the public and private sectors about the importance of laptop and data security and the need to manage the mobile workforce. However, according to an independent survey conducted by MORI on behalf of Compaq, the importance of being protected is not being taken seriously or enforced by British businesses. The research reveals that a staggering 60 per cent of British employees do not use a password when logging on to a PC or laptop and nearly three quarters of respondents do not take any extra precautions to protect their laptop or its data when out of the office.

This research, which surveyed more than 2,000 people, investigates use of passwords to protect data and attitudes towards laptop protection. Addressing the findings of the research, Compaq has today unveiled plans to integrate fingerprint identification technology within a new PC card. The development will enable Compaq Armada notebook users to take advantage of the latest biometrics technology whilst on the move. The new technology means the laptop owner simply places his/her fingerprint on the reader to gain access, eliminating the need to remember passwords and tightening security. This new announcement further extends Compaq's range of smart card and fingerprint identification devices, offering customers a choice of security devices to suit all requirements.

David Matthews, group manager, PC Product Management, Compaq said: "Compaq was the first PC manufacturer to offer corporate customers an affordable fingerprint biometrics reader for the desktop PC in 1998. Today, Compaq is addressing the security needs of a growing number of people whose office could be a train station, an airport or a hotel room and who use their laptop as the sole device to store business-critical information.

We are confident that this new technology will give peace of mind to organisations that are currently addressing the need for improved data protection for the mobile work force."

Why Passwords Pose Problems

Passwords represent potential security risks because they can be forgotten, misplaced or stolen and are frequently written down near a computer. People are constantly required to learn and remember more and more passwords. The growing need for multiple passwords on the internet has further compounded password headaches. The Compaq-commissioned report shows that around a quarter of those who use a password find it difficult to remember and admit to writing it down, and one in ten people freely share their password details with other people in the office.

Password overload seems particularly prevalent, with over one-third of respondents now using more than three passwords. The survey revealed that many of the passwords used provide little security. A startling third of respondents had not changed any of their passwords in the last year, and 15 per cent of people use their own name as their password.

The Cost to British Business

Quite apart from the obvious business implications of lost data, Compaq can reveal that up to 50 per cent of IT help desk calls are due to users forgetting their passwords. Through the adoption of Compaq biometrics technology, the number of calls to IT help desks will be reduced and network administrative costs lowered significantly.

Laptop Lethargy Found in Britain

Half of those surveyed believe that their laptop is susceptible to theft. The survey also exposed that as many as 35 per cent of laptop users do not keep copies of confidential files and critical business information held on their laptop. Yet despite these revelations, over one-third of laptop users take more care of their mobile phone than their laptop.

David Matthews continues: "With laptop theft now a headline issue, we were surprised to find that the message is not getting through.

Compaq hopes to highlight the importance of this issue for all businesses and to emphasise that the information employees carry around on laptops is an intellectual asset that needs protecting."

At a Glance - Compaq Advice for Protecting Your Laptop or Data

Protecting Your Laptop from Theft

1. Always take note of the hardware type and serial/asset number of your laptop and store it separately
2. When approaching an airport metal detector, try to delay putting your laptop on the conveyor belt until you are sure that you will be the next person through - stealing laptops from metal detector conveyor belts is on the increase
3. Keep your laptop secure in and out of the office:
   • Ensure that your laptop is locked in a docking station. In the office, if your laptop is not in a docking station, lock it away when it is unattended
   • Avoid leaving your laptop in the car unless it is absolutely necessary and never leave it on open display
   • Do not leave it on display in a hotel room when you go out
   • NEVER let it out of your sight in the airport, railway, bar or bus station. Keep it close to you at all times while travelling and never check it in as baggage

Protecting the Information Stored On Your Laptop

1. Ensure that your PC is password protected
2. Never write down passwords. Take special care to make sure that you do not record passwords and carry them with your laptop, as that would be as unsafe as writing your PIN number on the back of your credit card
3. For added security, data should be encrypted
4. Backup-any business-critical information stored on your hard drive and keep the backups separate from your laptop
5. When travelling, only store the files you need for that trip on your laptop

Technical details

MORI conducted 2,147 face-to-face interviews in Great Britain between the 4-8th May 2000