How Many Workers Accidentally Peeked at the Wrong Screens?
According to a recent study by DSA Connect, about 14 % of employees claim they stumbled into confidential areas on their company’s computers in the last five years.
And no, they weren’t just browsing cat videos; they were scrolling through data they shouldn’t have had front‑row access to.
The Data‑Sleuths Behind the Numbers
DSA Connect isn’t just an IT asset disposal firm; they’re the folks who prune and obliterate data that ends up living on devices no longer needed. Their tools are backed by the UK National Cyber Security Centre and certified by CESG. The company was founded in 2011 to help the Ministry of Defence clean up its surplus gear.
Why does this matter? Because the pandemic has forced many organisations to trim their rosters. As teams shrink, the once‑tranquil office becomes a battlefield of disgruntled staff who might turn those internal data leaks into full‑blown cyber brawls.
What People Peeked At – And What They Shouldn’t Have Seen
- 7 % of respondents realised they had brushed by the salaries of managers and peers.
- 6 % got a sneak peek at the private emails between their bosses and clients.
- 4 % found themselves holding personal financial details of coworkers or clients.
- 5 % was exposed to private photos of unsuspecting colleagues.
- 3 % didn’t even know, but they were staring at the health records of third parties.
Chairman’s Bottom‑Line Warning
Harry Benham, the chair of DSA Connect, cautioned that these security gaps can lead to dramatic fines and massive denting of a company’s reputation. A breach doesn’t just cost money—it can cripple brand trust and turn headlines into a nightmare.
To prevent the next data‑theft saga, the company recommends routine checks, clear access policies, and robust disposal protocols.
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