Cloud App Usage vs Data Privacy Survey: Despite Concerns Over Data Security, Cloud-based App Use Prevalent
Overview While most business professionals are worried about the security of cloud-based applications, they aren t deterred from using them to store their personal and professional data, and they aren t losing sleep over their data and information, according to a recent survey from SafeMonk. When SafeNet Labs, a technology incubator created by 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. 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). 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 C-Levels Less Concerned with Security, More Apt to Bend Rules Against Cloud App Usage
Location also factors into respondents attitudes about data security in the cloud. For example, the usage of cloud-based apps is far greater in EMEA than in the U.S. or APAC, so too are the levels of concern about data security and corporate 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. Overall, 52 percent of respondents are most concerned with someone hacking into their banking and financial apps. The systems most frequently used respondents for file storage are Dropbox (39 percent) and desk drawers (25 percent); and email 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)? 64% 25% 11% Yes No WTH is a cloud based application?
Do you store any personal or professional data in the cloud? 14% 3% 55% Yes 28% No I think so Not Sure
Are you worried at all about the security of the cloud-based applications or data stored in the cloud? 15% 53% 32% Yes No Still trying to figure out what cloud is
Of the applications that you use, which are you most concerned about someone hacking into? 9% 14% 8% 0% 17% Banking Application 52% File Storing / Sharing Application Email None of the Above Social Media Account Candy Crush
What system do you use most frequently for file storage? 6% 5% 1% Dropbox 39% The drawers on my desk Google Drive 24% Other Microsoft Sharepoint 25% Box.net What system for file storage and sharing does your company ask you to use? 7% 3% 1% Internal Network 12% Google Drive 12% 52% Microsoft Sharepoint Dropbox Other 13% icloud Box.net
When it comes to your data privacy, who are you most concerned with? 46% 22% 3% Government 1% 22% Google 6% I m not concerned about the privacy of my data. Boss Spouse Mom
Does your company have a policy regarding usage of file sharing applications such as Dropbox? 39% 33% 28% Yes No I don t know
If your company has a policy against usage of applications such as Dropbox, do you use it anyway? 21% Yes No 79%
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: 17% 7% 17% Not Surprised Apathetic 59% Angry Compelled to do so yourself
What types of files do you store online? 18% 24% 8% Personal 50% Professional Both None of your business
How do you most frequently share documents? 2% 1% 14% 68% 15% Email Online file sharing service I don t share files Mail them Pigeon carrier
What keeps you up at night regarding your data and personal information? 17% 2% 29% Nothing keeps me up at night. I sleep like a baby. 52% It will be maliciously exploited The government will have visibility into my private information My peers will know my secrets
What is your title? 12% 6% 10% 13% 23% C-Level/VP Director 36% Manager Associate Student Entrepreneur
Where are you located? 85% 9% 4% Americas 2% Europe / Middle East / Africa Asia Pacific / AU / NZ Mars
SafeNet Labs conducted this survey in August, 2013. For a complete copy of the survey data set, please contact Trisha Paine at trisha@safemonk.com. SafeNet Labs is the creator of SafeMonk, the world s only tapproof encryption solution designed specifically for users of the file-sharing service Dropbox. If you would like to gain access to the raw data, please send your request to hello@safemonk.com. 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.