Most employees steal corporate data after leaving their jobs
by Celine Roque
A recent survey conducted by the Ponemon Institute [found via DataTheft.org] had some startling information about data loss during times when businesses are downsizing:
According to our findings, 59% of employees who leave or are asked to leave are stealing company data. Moreover, 79% of these respondents admit that their former employer did not permit them to leave with company data.
Source: “Data Loss Risks During Downsizing” by Ponemon Institute LLC, February 23, 3009
The respondents were chosen among employees who were fired, laid off, or who left their jobs voluntarily. Since we’re seeing more layoffs across several industries each month, it’s no surprise that many employees who were let go are feeling vindictive.
But what seemed more alarming to me was that 67% of those who stole corporate data from former employees used the stolen data to leverage their new jobs. While it’s natural to feel angry and vengeful towards an employer when you’re let go during tough economic times, acting on them is another matter.
Obviously, this is bad news for companies as data theft might lead to security risks as well as loss of revenue. More importantly, the clients of these companies are threatened as well, since most of the stolen data includes email lists, customer information, contact lists, and other business information.
It is evident that security policies, non-disclosure agreements, and other contracts referencing data security are inefficient when it comes to preventing data theft. The study recommends several solutions to this problem, including auditing an employee’s electronic and paper documents as part of their exit interview, as well as monitoring the employee’s access to the corporate network before they leave.
Does your business prevent data theft? How worried are you about disgruntled employees stealing company data?
