84 Percent of Managers Don't Trust Current Security Tools to Keep Sensitive Files Safe

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90% of respondents named the lack of protection of files in cloud platforms as the main reason for not using them

As we moved towards managing everything using our electronic devices, file security has become of utmost importance for everyone involved. A recent survey carried out by EMA (Enterprise Management Associates) & FinalCode shows that, today, very few IT managers think their files are safe, despite the countless security measures they have at their disposal.

Over 150 survey respondents from mid-tier to large North American enterprises took the time to offer their feedback during the month of September 2015, and the overall feeling the survey gives is of doom and gloom.

According to FinalCode's research, three in four respondents expressed high to very high concern when it came to file data leakage risks, recognizing the high number of dangers their company's data was facing with the rising wave of cyber-crime groups and the proliferation of cheap and easy-to-use hacking tools.

In fact, 84% of all survey takers also have moderate to no confidence that their internal security controls and auditing capacity are strong enough to stop data leaks.

And these leaks happen on a regular basis, according to the FinalCode data, to four out of five companies to be more exact. While you'd think that hackers are to blame, in reality hackers only account for 19% of all the incidents. The leading cause is inappropriate file sharing with others inside the company (20%), followed by inappropriate file sharing with external parties (11%).

Managers recognize the need for investments in the security field

Asked what they plan to do about it, managers have said they plan to make technology investments to boost their company's security tech portfolio (85%), adding that they also intend to invest in training personnel about the dangers of file leakage (84%).

To be more precise, most survey participants have said they will invest in file encryption and usage control software (53%), portable storage devices (53%), enterprise mobility management (EMM) (50%), email gateways and proxies (50%), and network gateway encryption (50%).

"The findings serve as useful metrics on to the state of perceived risk, actual threats and control investments to protect files as companies extend their content management and collaboration strategies," said Scott Gordon, chief operating officer at FinalCode. "The independent research clearly validates the need for easy, flexible and persistent file security capabilities as exemplified in the FinalCode platform."

The results of the survey were compiled in the State of File Collaboration Security report, available for download.

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