The most common rules for protection against cyber-attacks are the encryption of sensitive data and regular software updates on devices used for work purposes. 47% of respondents state that their employer sets corresponding requirements. Training is also a means of sensitising employees to the risks of cyber-attacks. 44% of companies require regular participation. However, the need is higher: 45% of business travellers feel that their employer only partially informs them about possible cyber risks, 13% hardly or not at all. These are the results of the "Chefsache Business Travel" survey commissioned by the German Travel Association.
"Business travellers are a popular target for cyber criminals, as confidential data on mobile devices is often inadequately protected. It is therefore essential for companies to take precautionary measures. This is the only way to reduce the risk," says Thomas Osswald, Managing Director of the travel agent DERPART. "This includes, in particular, training to sensitize employees. It also makes sense to have clear rules on how business travellers can and should protect themselves against cyber-attacks."
Business travellers sometimes careless
Public Wi-Fi networks, for example, are a popular gateway for hackers. Nevertheless, only 41% of companies require their employees to use them via a virtual private network (VPN). Even fewer companies prohibit their employees from using private devices for business purposes. 38% of companies have a corresponding policy. Only 36% regulate the assignment of secure passwords and only 32% stipulate the use of privacy filters.
One of the best defenses against cyber-attacks is attentive employees. However, business travellers do not always consciously pay attention to data protection. For example, 37% frequently use VPN connections, while 34% only do so sometimes. When assigning passwords, 34% regularly go beyond the minimum requirements, but 41% only do so occasionally. The situation is similar when it comes to protecting the screen from prying eyes in public. 33% do this frequently, but 39% only sometimes.
Since 2012, business travellers have been surveyed annually on behalf of the German Travel Association (DRV). Most recently, 200 German decision-makers who take at least one business trip per month from companies in the retail, service and industrial sectors took part in the online survey. / red
