CareerBuilder Study Exposes Security Risks for Work Laptops

With the number of remote workers increasing in most companies in U.S., it’d be interesting to know how these remote workers treat their office laptops. Most store sensitive company information on these machines, and the company is usually unaware of the security measures they employ to safeguard that sensitive information.

Recently, CareerBuilder conducted a nationwide study which stated that a considerable number of workers may be putting their company or themselves at risk if they do not necessarily safeguard their laptop.

Laptop use is characterized by sharing passwords or clicking on links from unknown sources.

A considerable number of workers said their laptops currently store a variety of personal files apart from office-related data and documents. When asked to identify the type of sensitive information that can be found on their office computers, most highlighted sensitive data, such as company information and client information.

“Laptops and mobile devices are quickly becoming the preferred technologies for many businesses," said Eric Presley, chief technology officer at CareerBuilder. It's important for employers and workers alike to take precautions to reduce vulnerabilities and keep company information secure."

Presley recommends the following tips:

• Use hard-to-decipher passwords.
• Use a different password for home and work, and don't share them with anyone.
• Make sure your mobile phone requires a password as well.

CareerBuilder recently unveiled its Paycheck study, which stated that few American workers are reliant on their next payday to make ends meet. According to the company, 40 percent of workers say they always or usually live paycheck to paycheck. This is a slight decrease from 42 percent in 2011.

Continuing a downward trend from a peak of 46 percent in 2008, the early days of the financial crisis and this year's figure marks a recession-era low.\

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.