Recently, the results of a study were published by Cisco, in which it explained the common mistakes due to which data was lost. The study emphasized on the difference between the behavioral risks of the employees that can vary by country and culture, but a common factor which exists is that data loss can be tracked by each of these risks, and could easily be made moderate through planning and management.

This study surveyed nearly 1,000 employees and 1,000 IT professionals, who belonged to various industries and company sizes in 10 counties. The background of the study was formed with the help of constantly evolving and dynamic business environment existing today. 

The countries, where the surveys were conducted are United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, China, India, Australia, and Brazil. 

The research was conducted not to understand technology but behavior, explained John N. Stewart, chief security officer at Cisco. 

He further added, “Security is ultimately rooted in user’s behavior, so businesses of all sizes and employees in all professions need to understand how behavior affects the risk and reality of data loss -- and what that ultimately means for both the individual and enterprise... Simply put, security practices can be more effective when all users realize what their actions result in.” 

There were some risks which were discovered through this study. It was found that in order to access unauthorized web sites, one in five employees distorted security settings on work devices to bypass IT policy. It was further noted that this kind of acts were pretty common in developing countries like India and China. More than half (52%) employees when were asked the reason for doing so simply said that they wanted to access the site. Surprisingly, some others said that it’s entirely on them to access any site they want, and it’s no one’s business. 

Furthermore, the work computers were found to be used for personal use by two-thirds of the employees, for the purpose of music downloads, shopping, banking, blogging, participating in chat groups, and more. In order to reach the customers and colleagues, half of the employees used personal e-mails, while only 40% informed that this usage was admitted by IT. 

The study also found that while the employees are away from desk, at least one in three leave their computers unlocked and logged on. Furthermore, these employees also leave laptops on their desks through out the night that gives rise to serious risks for major theft incidents to occur and corporate and personal data can also be accessed.