Key findings:
- Research shows fewer than 4 in 10 business travelers say their company requires them to ensure two-way authentication on their work devices
- Less than one-third said their company requires them to use a VPN or ensure they have antivirus software installed on their devices.
- Despite being concerned about being hacked, less than one-third say they would refrain from using unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
- to your organization cyber security Pre-trip training course
- 1 in 10 people say their company doesn’t require them to take cybersecurity precautions while traveling
DespiAlarming rise in cybercrimea new study shows that companies may not be doing enough to protect business travelers from attacks, potentially exposing sensitive company information and data to criminals. of North American business travelers commissioned by world travel protectionthe world’s leading travel risk management organization.
Opinium research shows that travelers are asking for basic cybersecurity measures, including ensuring two-way authentication on their devices (36% in the US, 36% in Canada) and using a VPN (30% in the US, 32% in Canada). found that only one in three companies do. ) or have antivirus software installed on their device while traveling (32% in the US, 32% in Canada). Only a quarter of respondents (28% in the US and 24% in Canada) said their company required them to take a training course on how to improve cybersecurity.
Additionally, less than one-third of business travelers avoid unsecure Wi-Fi networks from work (32% in the US, 28% in Canada) and use a laptop screen protector when working in public. (28% US, 20% Canada) or make sure all files except those necessary for travel are removed from their laptop (20% US) , Canada 14%). One in 10 respondents say their organization does not require any cybersecurity measures (8% in the US and 10% in Canada).
“This data is alarming because cybercrime poses significant risks to businesses, disrupting their operations, damaging their reputations, and potentially exposing them to legal action if they fail to protect their data.” Frank Harrison saysAmericas Regional Security Director, World Travel Protection.
Harrison pointed out that the number of malware attacks worldwide will reach 5.5 billion in 2022 and continues to rise, noting that business travelers often carry sensitive corporate information with them, and they often travel to crowded public places such as airports. He added that people frequently use laptops and mobile devices in the field, making them easy targets for exploitation. . Mobile devices are prime targets for attacks, so business travelers should be especially careful if they lose their devices.
“Threat actors now have the ability to identify and target mobile devices, deliver malicious code to the device, access the device and track its location, activate the device microphone, and intercept messages. Masu.” Harrison added. “Adopting cyber security measures focused on risk mitigation is essential to travel policies for travelers and any organization that protects them. data”
Harrison offers recommended starting points for businesses to improve their cyber hygiene, including keeping device software up to date, using antivirus software that includes a VPN component, and using strong apps and online It points out the importance of requiring account passwords, preferably biometric authentication with two-factor authentication (2FA). Now valid. We also recommend using secure mobile Wi-Fi hotspots instead of public Wi-Fi to access the Internet in public or unknown locations.
*This release provides a snapshot of US and Canadian business traveler attitudes and perceptions regarding cybersecurity in 2023. The survey was conducted by Opinium Research between January 23 and February 2, 2023 among 1,000 adults who travel for business at least once a year. Years in the United States (500) and Canada (500).