The findings are part of a survey conducted by Lookout, an endpoint-to-cloud security company. It found that accelerated digital transformation and hybrid work models have spread formerly on-site secured data across multiple cloud applications, leading to increased security risks. 

According to the 365 IT and security professionals surveyed, 82% said their data was secured both on-premise and in the cloud, whereas 18% were fully in the cloud.

“With increased complexity comes more frequent breaches where attackers have more vectors to infiltrate an organisation,” says the report. 

More than half of the surveyed organisations cited security products that do not integrate well with each other as one of their main challenges.

Complex hybrid data systems also led to 47% of organisations saying they have an increased struggle in detecting threats to mitigate them.

According to Aaron Cockerill, Chief Strategy Officer at Lookout, the scattered nature of data and unmanaged networks and devices by employees have led to the widespread adoption of Shadow IT.

This is when software or hardware is used on an enterprise network without the IT department’s knowledge or approval. 

According to Gartner, 41% of employees acquired, modified or created technology outside of IT’s visibility in 2022.

This issue disproportionately affects the financial services industry, where 32% of companies reported accidental data leaks in the past 12 months, compared to the average of 25%, according to Netwrix.

“To effectively address this challenge, organisations need to acknowledge and confront the overconfidence bias that has traditionally driven a strict focus on data control. While the historical approach aimed to keep data within corporate boundaries and limit access to managed devices, the reality of today’s landscape requires a shift in strategy,” said Cockerill.

Recommended

• Scots Firm ClearSky Logic to Expand Headcount, Eyes London and Manchester
• How Remote Monitoring is Transforming Cardiac Services in Scotland
• UK Gov Propels £4.3M Into Space-based Solar Power Tech Projects

While cloud storage and on-premise storage both offer pros and cons in regard to security measures, one constant is the need for organisations to shift to the cloud to meet modern demands for hybrid workers. 

According to the UK government, 44% of workers reported either a hybrid or fully remote work model in the UK.

“Hybrid is no longer just an employee perk but an employee expectation,” said Ranjit Atwal, senior director analyst at Gartner.

A survey by Accenture showed that only 8% of financial workers wanted to return to the office full time, following the push to remote work brought on by the pandemic. 

“Financial institutions must swiftly adapt and adjust their approaches to safeguard valuable data without compromising the productivity gains offered by the cloud-driven environment,” said Cockerill.