In the era of digital transformation and hybrid work environments, a significant cybersecurity challenge has emerged: employees bypassing security protocols to enhance productivity. A recent CyberArk survey of over 14,000 employees across six countries revealed that 65% admit to circumventing cybersecurity measures to simplify their work processes.

This behavior, while aimed at efficiency, exposes organizations to substantial security risks, highlighting the delicate balance between operational productivity and robust cybersecurity.

The survey also uncovered that 80% of employees access workplace applications from personal devices lacking adequate security controls, and 49% reuse passwords across multiple work-related applications. These practices amplify vulnerabilities, making it imperative for organizations to understand the root causes of such behaviors and develop strategies that integrate security seamlessly into daily workflows.

Why It Matters: Cybersecurity breaches often stem from internal vulnerabilities rather than external attacks. Employee behaviors—such as password reuse, sharing confidential information externally, and neglecting security updates—can compromise even the most advanced security systems. Addressing these issues is crucial for organizations to protect sensitive data without hindering employee productivity.

• Password Reuse: 49% of employees use the same login credentials for multiple work-related applications, and 36% use identical credentials for personal and work accounts. This practice significantly increases the risk of unauthorized access across platforms.

• Credential Sharing: 52% of employees have shared workplace-specific confidential information with external parties. Such actions can lead to data leaks and breaches, undermining organizational security.

• Circumvention of Cybersecurity Policies: 65% of employees bypass cybersecurity policies for convenience, using personal devices as Wi-Fi hotspots and forwarding corporate emails to personal accounts. These workarounds create vulnerabilities within the organization’s security framework.

• AI Vulnerabilities: 72% of employees use AI tools at work, with over a third not adhering to guidelines on handling sensitive information within these tools. This non-compliance can lead to unintended exposure of sensitive data.

Go Deeper -> 65% Of Employees Bypass Cybersecurity Measures, New Study Finds – Forbes