SECURITY NEWS
IBM Security report : Pandemic digital habits causing security risks for businesses
IBM Security has announced the results of a global survey examining consumers ’ digital behaviours during the pandemic , as well as their long-term impact on cybersecurity . With society becoming increasingly accustomed to digital-first interactions , the study found that preferences for convenience often outweighed security and privacy concerns among individuals – leading to poor choices around passwords and other cybersecurity behaviours .
Consumers ’ lax approach to security , combined with rapid Digital Transformation by businesses during the pandemic , may provide attackers with further ammunition to propagate cyberattacks across industries – from ransomware to data theft .
According to IBM Security X-Force , bad personal security habits also carry over to the workplace and can lead to costly security incidents for companies , with compromised user credentials representing one of the top root sources of cyberattacks in 2020 .
The global survey of 22,000 individuals in 22 markets , including the Middle East across the UAE , Saudi Arabia , and Egypt , conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of IBM Security , identified the following effects of the pandemic on consumer security behaviours :
• Digital boom will outlast pandemic protocols : Middle East respondents created , on average , 21 new online accounts during the pandemic – exercise and wellness , shopping and retail , and social media were the most popular categories
• Account overload leads to password fatigue : The surge in digital accounts has led to lax password behaviours , with 91 % of the Middle East respondents admitting to reusing credentials at least some of the time . This means a majority of new accounts created during the pandemic likely relied on reused email and password combinations
• Convenience outweighs security and privacy : Half of the Middle East millennials would rather place an order using a potentially insecure app or website versus call or go to a physical location in person . With users more likely to overlook security concerns for the convenience of digital ordering , the burden of security will fall more heavily on companies providing these services to avoid fraud .
• Accelerating telehealth and digital ID : As consumers lean further into digital interactions , these behaviours also have the potential to spur adoption of emerging technologies in a variety of settings – from telehealth to digital identity
“ While the post-pandemic world brings new cyber-risks , the continuing success of digitisation initiatives among the countries of the Middle East , has also triggered a rising priority for cybersecurity at organisations of all sizes and across all industries ,” said Hossam Seif El Din , General Manager , IBM Middle East and Pakistan . “ Thanks to IBM ’ s deep understanding of the region ’ s security environment and challenges , we are fully equipped to support governments and businesses with the solutions and skills to adapt to the shifting consumer security landscape and be prepared against potential threats .” •
Hossam Seif El Din , General Manager , IBM ME and Pakistan
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