Current survey shows: Use of chat, video, and conference solutions has increased significantly due to the Corona crisis / Experts: Users do not give enough consideration to data protection – security features must not be neglected
During the coronavirus crisis, more and more people are working from home . They are increasingly using programs with chat, video, and conferencing features to stay in touch with colleagues—as well as with friends and relatives.
A survey commissioned by TÜV Rheinland and conducted by the market research institute Civey shows that almost 43 percent of respondents are using such tools and programs more frequently than before the coronavirus pandemic. Providers that allow for quick and easy setup of meetings and invitation of participants are particularly popular.
The main advantage of these collaboration tools is that they don’t require complex registration processes or approval from in-house IT . However, when using these often stylish applications, questions about cybersecurity are rarely raised.
Design takes precedence over data protection
Due to the fact that many people switched to home office very suddenly in most cases, accompanying measures by the company’s IT department rich people database could not be implemented or were only inadequate.
“Existing collaboration solutions within companies are often not immediately geared toward widespread use in home offices. Releases, updates, or extensions to the installed software are required,” says Wolfgang Kiener, Head of the Center of Excellence Advanced Threat in Cybersecurity at TÜV Rheinland.
Error messages or poor connections quickly tempt you to resort to other software solutions. These straightforward and stylishly designed applications work flawlessly and ensure a fast and stable connection.
However, data protection is often neglected when discussing business-related topics via video conferencing software. This poses the risk of losing trade secrets.
Cybersecurity awareness is missing
Protecting the transmitted data from unauthorized access is of immense importance. Often, it is the manufacturers themselves who transfer data, andrea miller for example, to the USA, where the European General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR ) does not apply, or where they allow the data to be passed on to third parties.
Kiener commented:
“In the current situation, I can understand the tendency to simply use programs and neglect data protection and cybersecurity. However, hackers are speculating on precisely this circumstance and taking advantage of it. Especially in the current crisis, our data is being traded. Users are therefore well advised to take a close look and read the privacy policies before installing programs before agreeing to them.”
“The pace of software development creates belgium numbers vulnerabilities in cybersecurity. Smart applications are becoming increasingly indispensable in our everyday lives. This makes such applications attractive targets for cybercriminals,” emphasizes Kiener.
