Top 5 Bad Security Habits of Mobile Workers   |  May 14, 2008  

By Peter Wolchak

X opening e-mail and attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. This continues even though it’s a well-known security risk.

X using work computers and devices for personal use. This is up three per cent year over year. Justifications offered include “My company doesn’t mind me doing so,” “I’m alone and have spare time” and “My boss isn’t around.”

X allowing non-employees to borrow work computers and devices. Non-employees are not held to a company’s security policies. Employees say: “My company doesn’t mind me doing so,” “I don’t think it increases security risks,” “Co-workers do it.”

X hijacking wireless Internet connections from neighbours. Globally, 12 per cent of remote workers admit to accessing a neighbour’s wireless connection. Reasons offered: “It’s more convenient than using my wireless connection” and “My neighbour doesn’t know, so it’s OK.”

X accessing work files with personal, non-IT-protected devices. Justifications for this include: “These devices are secured with antivirus and other content security software,” and “I regularly use these devices to access my network.”


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