New survey reveals two-thirds of IT professionals putting data at risk

Nov. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- Nearly two-thirds1 (64%) of IT professionals surveyed at IP Expo 2012 between 17th and 18th October have admitted to not encrypting data stored on portable storage devices such as USB flash drives and portable disk drives. The research also revealed the percentage believing data loss to be a serious or growing concern reduced from 99% in the 2011 survey to 96%. The latest study, conducted by iStorage (http://www.istorage-uk.com/), a leading specialist in portable storage and digital encryption, suggests IT professionals continue to put data at risk.

The survey follows on from similar research conducted at IP Expo 2011, where the same percentage of respondents admitted to not encrypting data held on portable storage devices. Overall, the findings revealed little change occurring during the intervening year, with the percentage of IT Professionals admitting to losing a portable data storage device slightly down from 40% in 2011 to 39%.

John Michael, Managing Director at iStorage, said, “The results of this latest iStorage survey to be conducted at a major UK information technology event reinforce the notion that IT professionals are putting company data at risk. However, what is more alarming is the reduction in those believing data loss to be a serious or growing concern, suggesting many are becoming increasingly complacent. This comes at a time when IT professionals should act as guardians of digitised corporate data, especially as the Information Commissioner’s Office can fine offending organisations up to £500,000.”

Similar surveys conducted by iStorage during Infosecurity Europe in 2010, 2011 and 2012 discovered a dramatic increase in the percentage of respondents admitting to losing portable storage devices. In 2010, nearly one in four (23%) said they had lost a device, rising to more than one third (34%) in 2012. Nearly all (98%) of respondents at Infosecurity Europe 2012 believed data loss to be a serious or growing issue for corporations.

Portable data protection with PIN code access and hardware encryption

diskAshur (http://www.istorage-uk.com/diskashur.php)® from iStorage is a next-generation hardware encrypted USB 3.0 2.5” disk drive with alphanumerical PIN code access. The device unites a broad range of digital and physical data protection measures, coupled with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connectivity, offering businesses a robust and compact solution to portable data security. diskAshur is available in capacities of between 250GB and 1TB and either 128-bit or 256-bit AES-XTS hardware encryption.

diskAshur is one in a growing portfolio of ultra-secure and easy-to-use hardware encrypted portable devices from iStorage, following the launch of the diskAshur DT 3.5” portable hard drive with up to 3TB capacity and the datAshur USB flash drive. Further information on the diskAshur and iStorage’s broader range of data storage solutions can be found at http://www.istorage-uk.com/ or call +44 (0)20 8537 3435.

Notes for Editors

1 106 delegates at IP Expo 2012 completed the survey.

Picture caption

The diskAshur® is a 2.5” portable USB 3.0 hard drive with military grade hardware encryption and an alphanumeric PIN code access.

About iStorage

iStorage provides high performance and ultra secure portable data storage and security products to users who need to protect their data held on PCs, Macs and portable devices. The founders of iStorage are pioneers in their field and hold several patents, both granted and pending, on a range of related data storage and security products. With a strong belief in careful product selection and unrivalled customer service, iStorage continues to deliver market leading innovations in portable data storage and digital encryption technology. Further information can be found on www.istorage-uk.com or by contacting info@istorage-uk.com / +44 (0)20 8537 3435.

For further information please contact:

Matt King / Jon Wilcox

Media Safari

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