iStorage survey exposes double-digit rise in percentage of IT professionals losing portable devices containing corporate and personal data between 2010/11.
Nearly a third (32%) of IT professionals surveyed in a recent poll admitted losing portable storage devices containing either corporate or personal information. The results of the survey, using data captured from 513 respondents across four separate Information Technology and security events in the UK* during 2011 reveal the percentage of IT experts making the admission increased by 39% compared to the results of a similar survey in 2010**.
The latest survey from iStorage, a leading specialist in portable storage and digital encryption, also highlights an alarming trend across the industry, with 23% of survey respondents at SmartGov Live and 40% at IP Expo 2011 admitting losing portable devices. Furthermore, over half (57%) of all respondents admitted to carrying unencrypted data on USB sticks, portable hard drives and optical media, despite over 98% describing data loss as a ‘serious and growing’ concern.
‘Have you ever lost a portable data storage device that contained personal/company data?’
| Conference / event (No. of respondents) |
Respondents answering ‘Yes’ (%) | Increase / decrease on InfoSecurity 2010 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| InfoSecurity 2010 (200) | 23% | – |
| InfoSecurity 2011 (80) | 29% | +26% |
| IP Expo 2011 (214) | 40% | +74% |
| SmartGov Live 2011 (173) | 23% | 0% |
| 360 IT (46) | 35% | +52% |
| Combined 2011 (513) | 32% | +39% |
John Michael, Managing Director of iStorage, said: “The survey’s results are alarming, not only because of the double-digit percentage increase in incidents of data loss by IT experts, but because our respondents should be beyond reproach. These statistics show a disturbing trend by IT professionals, despite nearly all acknowledging data loss to be a serious and growing concern. Our survey highlights that many do not connect an awareness of broader security issues with personal or corporate data security procedures.”
iStorage recently released datAshur, the world’s most secure, robust and affordable USB flash drive. datashur combines military grade AES 256-bit hardware encryption using a SHA-256 hashing cryptographic algorithm, and an alphanumeric button-based keypad as part of wider digital and physical security measures. datashur can also be configured with independent User and Admin PINs, making it ideal for corporate and government use. datashur is available in three different capacities of 4GB, 8GB and 16GB at the affordable prices of £39, £59 and £79 (ex. VAT) respectively.
For further information on iStorage’s range of data storage solutions please visit www.istorage-uk.com or call +44 (0)20 8537 3435.
Notes to the editor:
*The iStorage survey was conducted at four exhibitions including Infosecurity Europe 2011, IP Expo 2011, 360 IT and SmartGov Live.
**The 2010 iStorage survey was conducted at Infosecurity Europe 2010.
Picture caption
The datashur® from iStorage brings an holistic approach to portable data security, with a rechargeable battery powering its onboard alphanumeric keypad plus AES 256-bit encryption.
About iStorage
iStorage provides high performance and ultra secure portable data storage and security products to users who need to protect their data held on PCs, Macs and portable devices. The founders of iStorage are pioneers in their field and hold several patents, both granted and pending, on a range of related data storage and security products. With a strong belief in careful product selection and unrivalled customer service, iStorage continues to deliver market leading innovations in portable data storage and digital encryption technology. Further information can be found on www.istorage-uk.com or by contacting info@istorage-uk.com / +44 (0)20 8537 3435.
For further information please contact:
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