9 November 2023

1 Out of Every 4 Former Employees Still Has Access to Files at Their Previous Job

By Ronald Smith

Did you know that a surprising thing is happening in workplaces? It turns out that even after someone leaves their job, they may still have access to important files and information. Can you believe that?

You might be wondering, how is this even possible? Well, let me tell you. When someone leaves a company, it seems that some organizations forget to revoke their access privileges. This means that the departed employee can still get their hands on sensitive data, such as confidential documents or private information about clients or colleagues.

Imagine that! You’d think that once you’ve moved on from a job, your access would be revoked faster than you can say goodbye. But no, it seems like some companies are a bit slow to catch up with this important security measure.

I don’t know about you, but this information leaves me scratching my head. Why would a company take such a risk? It seems like a recipe for disaster!

But hey, this isn’t just hearsay. A recent study found that a whopping 25% of former employees still have access to company files. That’s right, 1 out of every 4 people who have left their job can still poke around in their old workplace files. That’s a substantial number!

So, why should you care, you might be thinking? Well, let me explain. This lack of security poses a significant threat to a company’s confidentiality and reputation. It could lead to data breaches, leaks of sensitive information, or even sabotage from disgruntled ex-employees.

Now, I’m not suggesting that everyone who leaves a job is up to no good. Most people move on to other opportunities, never intending to cause any harm. But it only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole bunch, right?

So, what can be done about this concerning situation? Well, companies must establish a robust process for revoking access privileges when employees leave. They should make sure that no strings are left untied and no doors are left open.

It’s crucial for businesses to prioritize the security of their information and protect it from falling into the wrong hands. By tightening up these loose ends, companies can ensure that their sensitive data remains safe and sound, even after someone has said their final farewells.

In conclusion, it’s astonishing to think that 1 out of every 4 former employees still has access to files at their old job. This finding raises important concerns about security and the potential risks that companies may face. It’s vital for organizations to address this issue promptly by revoking access privileges when employees depart. By doing so, they can safeguard their valuable information and maintain the trust of their clients and stakeholders.

1 Out of Every 4 Former Employees Still Has Access to Files at Their Previous Job

I can’t believe it! Did you know that 1 in 4 employees still have access to company data even after they leave their job? It’s true! And that’s not all… a whopping 42% of employees actually admit to sharing their workplace passwords. Can you believe that?

These mind-boggling facts about workplace data security come from a study conducted by Beyond Identity, a company that specializes in password solutions. They wanted to get a better understanding of employees’ habits when it comes to passwords at work, and their findings are shocking!

To gather this information, Beyond Identity surveyed 1,008 employees and asked them about their password and security practices at their jobs.

It’s Unbelievable! 1 in 4 Former Employees Still Have Access to Company Files

Here’s the most alarming discovery: the survey revealed that 1 in 4 workers have actually had a data breach on their work account and they knew about it. Can you imagine? And what’s even more concerning is that 14% of these employees chose not to tell their employers about the breach. It’s absolutely mind-boggling!

A breach of important information can really hurt a small business. Sometimes employees aren’t very careful when it comes to sharing passwords, which puts the business at a bigger risk of having data stolen or messed with.

And it’s not just current employees who can cause trouble. Even former employees who still have access to files from their old job can put the business at risk of a really serious data breach that could be really expensive to fix.

Why It’s So Important to Follow Password Rules

A study from Beyond Identity shows just how important it is for businesses to have good password practices. The people who wrote the report explain, In today’s digital world, keeping things safe online is more important than ever.

When it comes to password rules at work, bosses need to be really clear and specific to make them work.

Can you believe that some employees are so careless about passwords? I mean, seriously? A whopping 34% of them actually write down their passwords in a notebook. How reckless is that?

Password Management Software: A Savior

But hey, not all hope is lost. About 38% of employees use password management software, which is like a superhero for passwords. This software generates passwords automatically, making life easier for employees when logging in. Plus, it keeps their personal information secure and protects valuable data. Pretty cool, right?

But here’s the catch. Even though password managers are pretty awesome, they’re not foolproof. If a cybercriminal gets their dirty little hands on it, they have access to all of an employee’s passwords. Yikes!

Watch Out for Revengeful Ex-Employees

Having former employees who can still access old files can cause problems for businesses. Imagine if a bitter ex-worker used that access to wreak havoc on their former employer. That’s a nightmare waiting to happen.

And here’s another issue: employees sharing their work passwords with each other. Can you believe that 66% of employees admit to doing this? It’s like handing over the keys to your house to anyone who asks!

But it doesn’t stop there. People also share their business passwords outside of work. Can you believe it? 37% of participants said they’ve shared their passwords with family members. 21% have spilled the beans to their friends. And get this, 36% have even shared their precious password secrets with their significant other.

Email: The Most Popular Way to Share Passwords

Can you believe that 46% of employees use email to share passwords? And 19% actually rely on a Google document for this? It’s mind-boggling!

But wait, there’s more. 45% of the people surveyed admitted to sharing passwords via text messages. Can you imagine the risks involved in that?

Here’s the shocking part: a whopping 73% of employees say they have experienced a data breach with their work accounts. That’s almost three-quarters of the workforce! And guess what? 14% of those who had their accounts breached kept it a secret from their employer. Can you believe that?

It’s Time to Step Up Password Security

So, here’s what’s clear: if businesses want to avoid falling victim to data breaches, they need to seriously step up their password and cybersecurity practices. It’s essential to take this threat seriously and protect our sensitive information.