Employee password choices a data breach risk?

2009-09-03

Employees could be putting their company's IT network at risk of suffering a data breach by using the same security password, research has suggested.

Over 1.7 million Brits are in danger of falling victim to internet fraud by using the same password every time they go online, according to insurer CPP.

The survey indicated that nearly half of Britons (46 per cent) use the same password login when accessing online services, while 54 per cent admit to using variations of the same password.

More than two-thirds (68 per cent) indicate that it is too difficult for them to remember numerous password logins, while nearly a fifth (17 per cent) are worried about being locked out of their computer.

Identity theft expert at CPP Sarah Blaney explained that nobody would "use the same key for their house, car and garage".

"If possible people should use multiple passwords with a combination of letters and numbers, which should be difficult to crack," she added.

Recent research by PandaLabs indicates that there has been a 600 per cent increase in the number of computers infected with programmes designed to steal confidential and personal information.

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