Story:
ESET, a global cybersecurity leader, launched a campaign to highlight the increasing risks associated with the blurred lines between work and personal life in the remote working landscape. Led by cybersecurity expert Jake Moore, the campaign focused on the risky online behaviour of UK employees using work laptops for personal activities and the cybersecurity vulnerabilities that arise as a result.
Challenge:
- Cybersecurity Risks: Remote work has become the norm for many UK employees, but with it comes an increase in risky online behaviour. The survey conducted by ESET revealed that 20% of employees engage in online gambling using their work laptops, 10% stream sports illegally, and 17% even access the dark web. This presents significant cybersecurity concerns for both individuals and companies.
- Unsecured Devices: Many employees are using their work laptops in public places like cafes and airports without adequate security measures, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The survey also revealed that 21% of employees allow others in their household to use their work devices, further increasing the risk of data breaches.
- Lack of Awareness: Despite these behaviours, 3% of respondents admitted they don’t know what cybersecurity is, highlighting a critical gap in awareness. This lack of knowledge leaves both personal and company data exposed to potential digital threats.
Key Statistics:
- Risky Online Behaviour: 20% of employees use their work laptops for online gambling, 10% for illegal streaming, and 17% access the dark web.
- Device Sharing: 21% of employees allow others in their household to use their work laptops.
- Cybersecurity Awareness Gap: 3% of respondents admitted to not knowing what cybersecurity is, and 7% are unsure if they are adequately protected.
Action:
- Campaign Launch: ESET’s campaign, spearheaded by Jake Moore, aimed to raise awareness of the cybersecurity risks associated with remote work. Moore’s expertise and background in cybercrime investigations provided valuable insights into the dangerous behaviours exhibited by remote workers and the steps they can take to protect their data.
- Media Involvement: The campaign was covered by various media outlets, with Moore providing interviews and commentary on how companies and employees can mitigate cybersecurity risks. The messaging focused on the importance of securing work devices, using VPNs, and adopting stronger password management practices.
- Public Education: The campaign also included a strong emphasis on educating employees and organisations about the importance of cybersecurity. ESET’s research findings were widely shared to inform the public of the potential dangers of using work laptops for personal activities, especially when accessing unsecured Wi-Fi networks in public spaces.
Results:
- Media Hits: The campaign achieved 15 media opportunities, reaching a total audience of 2.34 million people. The media coverage highlighted the key findings from ESET’s survey and provided actionable advice for both employers and employees on how to improve cybersecurity practices.
- Radio Coverage: The campaign received coverage on various radio stations, including Southside Radio, BHBN, Marlow FM, and Big City Radio, where Jake Moore discussed the survey findings and the steps employees can take to secure their work laptops.
- Educational Content: The campaign also focused on public education, providing listeners and readers with tips on avoiding risky behaviour, such as refraining from using work laptops for personal activities and ensuring proper cybersecurity measures are in place when working remotely.
- Public Engagement: The campaign sparked significant conversation among employers and employees about the blurred boundaries between work and personal life. Many expressed concerns about how to better secure work laptops and shared stories of cybersecurity challenges in the remote working environment.
- Increased Awareness: The campaign successfully raised awareness about the importance of cybersecurity in remote work settings, with many organisations beginning to review their policies on device usage and monitoring. ESET’s research revealed a clear need for companies to implement stronger cybersecurity training and monitoring tools to ensure their data remains secure.
