Cybersecurity threats loom larger from within: survey

MORE than one-third of chief information officers (CIOs) surveyed by recruiting agency Robert Half say a lack of employee knowledge and skills around data security is the most significant security risk their organisations will face in the next five years.

They are stepping up against the security risks posed by the widespread use of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) practices, where employees use their own laptops, tablets and smartphones at work. Close to 75 per cent CIOs allow their employees to access corporate data on their personal devices.

Robert Half Singapore managing director Matthieu Imbert-Bouchard said on Monday: "Although it may not be intentional, simple human error can expose companies to increased cyber-attacks and situations where sensitive company data can be compromised.

"However, BYOD practices offer many advantages such as increased employee satisfaction, productivity and cost savings, so companies must take steps to balance both their employees' needs and their security concerns."

The most common response is to train personnel on cyber-security policies and corporate practices when using their personal devices. Signing an acceptable use policy also seems to be standard practice for more than half of the Singaporean companies.