HP Research Exposes Security Risks of Mismanaged User Access

Dec 12, 2011 PALO ALTO, Calif., HP today unveiled new global research that reports increased threats to sensitive and confidential workplace data are created by a lack of control and oversight of privileged users, including database administrators, network engineers and IT security practitioners.(1) 

Key findings of “The Insecurity of Privileged Users” study, conducted by the Ponemon Institute, revealed that:

• Fifty-two percent of respondents indicated that they are at least likely to be provided with access to restricted, confidential information beyond the requirements of their position.
• More than 60 percent reported that privileged users access sensitive or confidential data out of curiosity, not job function.
• Customer information and general business data are at the highest risk, and the most threatened applications included mobile, social media and business unit specific applications.