Data encryption seldom used by Canadian businesses
Nearly half of Canadian businesses that handle customers' personal information in digital form fail to use appropriate tools and practices to protect sensitive data, according to a survey commissioned by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
In a poll that covered 1,006 companies from various industries across the country, the commission found that a “vast majority” of businesses use passwords to protect personal data stored in digital devices. However, “many do not ensure that passwords are difficult to guess or that their employees change them regularly – two practices that can really help thwart online crime,” said Federal Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart.
The survey also showed that 50 per cent of companies that stored personal information on portable devices such as USB sticks and tablets do not use encryption. The survey was conducted by opinion and market research firm Phoenix Strategic Perspectives Inc. and is considered to be accurate to within +/- 3.1 per cent 19 times out of 20. Click here for the complete survey.
