Softchoice Study Finds SaaS Use Encourages Irresponsible Computing

Risky employee behavior in the cloud and what IT can do about it

TORONTO, Jan. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - The use of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications for work breeds irresponsible technology behavior - actions that endanger the privacy and security of corporate data - according to a new study by Softchoice, a North American technology solutions and services provider. The study reveals those who use SaaS apps for work display far riskier tech habits than those who don't, and offers solutions to help IT correct these behaviors before it's too late.

"Cloud computing is changing our work habits and giving way to the expectation that our work files be accessible any time, and from any device, regardless of whether IT can securely manage it," says Mike Kane, Softchoice's Director of Cloud & Client Software. "SaaS is becoming core to the way we work, which means organizations must act quickly to manage users in the cloud."

Careless Users in the Cloud (and what IT can do about it) examines the office technology habits of 1,000 full-time employees in the U.S. and Canada, specifically around IT compliance, password security and file transfer.

The highlights include:

• More SaaS apps mean more passwords to remember (or disable):
  36% of employees access five or more SaaS apps on the job every day.
  
  
• Easy procurement of SaaS means users are circumventing IT to use them:
  27% of SaaS users access work files through applications IT doesn't know they have.
  
  
• Bad SaaS behaviors are more prevalent in younger employees:
  Twenty-somethings are three times more likely to keep passwords on Post-it notes compared to Baby Boomers.

The study also finds that while IT departments often take action when unsanctioned app use is detected, much of employees' rogue app procurement still goes unnoticed.

"IT is doing a better job finding unsanctioned apps in their environment, but failing to correct the behavior that put them there in the first place," Kane says. "Beyond enabling secure SaaS use for work, IT must better educate employees on best-use standards that will protect them both at work and in their personal lives."

The full study is available online at softchoicecloud.com/carelessinthecloud.

About Softchoice

As a leading North American provider of technology solutions and services, Softchoice combines the efficiency and reliability of a national IT supplier with the personal touch and technical expertise of a local solutions provider. Softchoice's holistic approach to technology includes solution design, implementation, asset management and cloud services, as well as access to one of the most comprehensive and cost-effective technology distribution networks in North America. With over 1,200 employees, Softchoice manages the technology needs of thousands of corporate and public sector organizations across the United States and Canada.

SOURCE: Softchoice Corporation

Media Contact

Joel Hoidas
Manager, External Communications
Softchoice Corporation
416-588-9002 ext. 222590