Symantec Survey reveals online file sharing risk

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Users are adopting online file sharing solutions without permission from IT.

Symantec Corp. has released the findings of its 2011 small to medium-sized businesses (SMB) File Sharing Survey, which showed that SMB employees are “increasingly adopting unmanaged, personal-use online file sharing solutions without permission from IT...” According to the announcement, these behaviors make organizations more vulnerable to security threats and potential data loss.

According to the survey, when asked what employees might do when they need to share a large file, respondents indicated they would “either ask IT for help (51 percent), use a solution suggested by a customer, contractor or partner (42 percent), utilize the IT system in place (33 percent), or search online and download a free solution (27 percent).” Additionally, 22 percent of respondents have not implemented policies restricting how employees can access and share files. 

To address these risks, Symantec recommends that SMBs implement some simple best practices, including: 

  • Centralize file storage and management with a secure web-based system that is accessible regardless of device or location.
  • Implement access controls and permissions to keep private files safe and separate from work content.
  • Maintain oversight into how and when business files are shared.
  • Implement a scalable system that can grow with the business.

More information is available here.

06/21/2012

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