02.12.2014

Survey Also Highlights Lack Of Awareness About Data Protection

The public wants to see tougher penalties for companies who fail to keep data secure, according to a new survey by security intelligence company LogRhythm.
 
Nearly six in ten of the people surveyed said organisations should receive harsher punishments for losing data, while a quarter said they felt the punishments currently handed out are often unequal.
 
The survey also revealed a lack of awareness about security threats. Six in ten people failed to name an organisation that has suffered a data breach, while a third had not heard of vulnerabilities like the Heartbleed and Shellshock bugs.
 
Another 56% said they would not want to do business with a company that has fallen victim to a data breach.
 
"We've seen a number of high-profile organisations suffer security breaches this year, but it's still surprising that so few people are able to recall them, even after the media storms surrounding breached organisations like eBay," said Ross Brewer, Vice-president and Managing Director for International Markets at LogRhythm.

Expert Opinion

This study highlights the strong feelings that the general public have on the issue of data protection and the responsibilities that businesses hold when having access to key information on consumers. <br/> <br/>"It is vital that companies of all sizes pay strict attention to regulations in this area to ensure that everything possible is done to keep data secure. This is particularly vital for small businesses, as their very survival could be affected by the loss of data and the financial and reputational consequences of such failings." Fergal Dowling - Partner