A recent report from Ivanti reveals that 86% of IT professionals believe poor digital experiences (DEX) lead employees to adopt unsafe workarounds. The study underscores a growing concern: while employees face tech-related frustrations, only 13% of security professionals consider user experience a priority when implementing cybersecurity solutions.
The report reveals that half of office workers use personal devices to access work networks, with 32% stating their employers are unaware. This presents significant security risks, as users often prioritise convenience over safety, leading them to bypass protocols.
Mike Riemer, Field Chief Information Security Officer at Ivanti, emphasised the need for companies to understand employee behaviors and adopt security measures that balance protection and productivity. “Strong security shouldn’t come at the cost of user experience,” he said.
Key findings indicate that the rise of Gen AI increases poor security hygiene. 81% of office workers have not been trained on Gen AI, and 15% use unsanctioned tools, raising concerns about data privacy and cyber risks. Additionally, only 62% of companies utilise VPNs or zero-trust access solutions, and 57% implement multi-factor authentication.
The report also notes that security leaders are often left out of DEX investment decisions, with only 38% of companies consulting their Chief Information Security Officer on DEX strategies, despite its impact on security.