Despite Concerns Over Data Security, Cloud-based
App Use Prevalent
survey from SafeMonk.
C-Levels Less Concerned with Security,
More Apt to Bend Rules Against Cloud App Usage
When SafeNet Labs, a technology incubator createdby SafeNet, Inc., asked hundreds of business professionals worldwide if they were worried about the security of the cloud-based applications or data stored in the cloud, 52 percent checked “yes;” however, sixty-four percent of respondents still said they frequently use cloud based apps to store their personal and professional data. Ironically, when asked what keeps them up at night regarding their data and information, more than half answered,
“nothing keeps me up, I sleep like a baby.”
Further examination of the survey data shows that the higher a person is on the corporate ladder, the more they use file sharing services like
Dropbox, and they are more likely to use file sharing
services despite company policies against it (33 percent of C-level titles said yes versus 18 percent of associates). The majority of respondents - 59 percent - said they “wouldn’t be surprised” if they found out that their boss or executives were using file sharing apps like Dropbox, despite a policy against doing so. In general, C-level executives (39 percent checked yes) are less concerned about security in the cloud than associates (54 percent checked yes).
policies against using cloud apps. However, EMEA respondents are more likely to ignore those very same policies. Who they are concerned about also varies: when it comes to their data privacy, respondents in the U.S. and EMEA are most concerned with the government, while APAC is most concerned with Google. Additionally, APAC respondents are the group most kept up at night when it comes to their data and information, worrying that it will be maliciously exploited.
continues to be the dominant means for sharing files (68 percent), according to
the data.
What this survey suggests is that cloud app usage and document
storage continue to proliferate, and that organizations should
reexamine antiquated attitudes towards usage of these apps
across the enterprise,” said Tsion Gonen, Chief Strategy Officer,
SafeNet, Inc. “It’s clear that top-level executives understand
the advantages of cloud app usage, and should enable
their companies to leverage these advantages by adopting
contemporary security tools and practices.
“
Do you frequently use cloud based
applications (ie. Banking, business
applications, social media, etc)?
Yes No WTH is a cloud based application?
25%
11%
64%
Do you store any personal or professional
data in the cloud?
Yes No I think so Not Sure
55%
14%
3%
28%
Are you worried at all about the security
of the cloud-based applications or data
stored in the cloud?
Yes
No
Still trying to figure out what cloud is
53%
15%
Of the applications that you use, which are you
most concerned about someone hacking into?
Banking Application
File Storing / Sharing Application Email
None of the Above
Social Media Account
Candy Crush
8%
0%
9%
14%
17%
52%
What system do you use most frequently
for file storage?
Dropbox The drawers on my desk Google Drive Other Microsoft Sharepoint Box.net
39%
25%
24%
6%
5%
1%
What system for file storage and sharing
does your company ask you to use?
Google Drive Internal Network Microsoft Sharepoint Dropbox Other iCloud Box.net
52%
13%
12%
12%
7%
3%
1%
When it comes to your data privacy,
who are you most concerned with?
Government
I’m not concerned about the privacy of my data. Boss Spouse Mom
46%
22%
22%
6%
3%
1%
Does your company have a policy regarding usage
of file sharing applications such as Dropbox?
Yes No I don’t know
28%
39%
33%
If your company has a policy against
usage of applications such as Dropbox,
do you use it anyway?
Yes
No
79%
21%
If you found out that your boss or other executives
were using file sharing applications such as
Dropbox, despite implementing a policy against
doing so, would you be:
Not Surprised Apathetic Angry Compelled to do so yourself
59%
17%
17%
7%
What types of files do you store online?
Personal Professional Both None of your business24%
8%
50%
18%
how do you most frequently share documents?
Online file sharing service I don’t share files
Mail them Pigeon carrier
68%
15%
14%
2%
1%
What keeps you up at night regarding your
data and personal information?
Nothing keeps me up at night. I sleep like a baby.
It will be maliciously exploited
The government will have visibility into my private information My peers will know my secrets
52%
17%
2%
What is your title?
C-Level/VP Director Manager Associate Student Entrepreneur6%
13%
23%
36%
10%
12%
Where are you located?
Americas Europe /
Middle East / Africa Asia Pacific / AU / NZ Mars
85%
9%
4%
About SafeMonk
Founded in 2012 by data protection leader, SafeNet, Inc., SafeNet Labs is a
technology incubator dedicated to developing next-generation solutions to some of the biggest problems facing information security. SafeNet Labs created SafeMonk to offer tap-proof security with simplicity that doesn’t break Dropbox.
About Safenet
Founded in 1983, SafeNet, Inc. is one of the largest information security companies in the world, and is trusted to protect the most sensitive data for market-leading organizations around the globe. SafeNet’s data-centric approach focuses on the protection of high value information throughout its lifecycle, from the data center to the cloud. More than 25,000 customers across commercial enterprises and government agencies trust SafeNet to protect and control access to sensitive data, manage risk, ensure compliance, and secure virtual and cloud environments.
