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| Photo Credit: Reuters

Demis Hassabis gives a speech during a meeting for leaders from the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, Government, and thought leaders to discuss how AI can be developed and deployed in ways that benefit society. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters

The careless work habits of commuters who use public transport risk huge data breaches, according to a new survey. The multinational cybersecurity and anti-virus provider firm, Kaspersky, recently conducted an investigation that brought shocking habits from UK commuters that may put work security at risk. As many as 2.2 million UK users travel to work by public transport, and most of them have some kind of activity that may unwittingly hit the mailboxes of their employees with malicious emails, putting organisations at the most critical privacy risk of leaks.

Citing the report by the cybersecurity firm The Metro News reported that, 66 percent of commuters admitted to writing work emails while waiting for public transport; however, 29 percent state that they freely write very important documents, seemingly oblivious to what is going on around them. This poses a risk for sensitive information to end up in the wrong hands.

In addition, 35% reported that they had heard confidential business information over cell phone conversations on public transportation; 24% specifically named identifiable business names and work locations. To the ears of some cyberthief, it may all sound like a cherished platitude: “loose lips sink ships,” because commuters unwittingly share valuable information with people sitting nearby-some of whom might just be cyberthieves.

Kaspersky advised travellers to be vigilant and guard themselves by concealing the most sensitive visual information, such as work badges, personal IDs, email signatures, and workplace locations, while travelling on public transport. As these risks of data breach cases are increasing day by day, an awareness about private life and security during daily commutes becomes a priority for everyone.

David Emm, Principal Security Researcher, Kaspersky explains: “Many of us are unwittingly leaving valuable personal breadcrumbs for others to follow during their daily travel to work, including business names, contact details and other sensitive information.”

“If you’re handling strategic information during your commute, the impact of a leak could be massive – and potentially easily traceable to those privy to it. Whether it’s a financial deal, legal case, or patient data, exposing such details in public could lead to significant consequences for both the business and the individual responsible.”

Tokyo:

Nearly a quarter of Japanese companies have adopted artificial intelligence (AI) in their businesses, while more than 40% have no plan to make use of the cutting-edge technology, a Reuters survey showed on Thursday.

The survey, conducted for Reuters by Nikkei Research, pitched a range of questions to 506 companies over July 3-12 with roughly 250 firms responding, on condition of anonymity.

About 24% of respondents said they have already introduced AI in their businesses and 35% are planning to do so, while the remaining 41% have no such plans, illustrating varying degrees of embracing the technological innovation in corporate Japan.

Asked for objectives when adopting AI in a question allowing multiple answers, 60% of respondents said they were trying to cope with a shortage of workers, while 53% aimed to cut labour costs and 36% cited acceleration in research and development.

As for hurdles to introduction, a manager at a transportation company cited “anxiety among employees over possible headcount reduction”.

Other obstacles include a lack of technological expertise, substantial capital expenditure and concern about reliability, the survey showed.

The poll also showed 15% of respondents have experienced cyberattacks over the past year and 9% had business partners that suffered cyberattacks during the same period.

Asked about damage, 23% of those that suffered cyberattacks themselves or had business partners that were targets said business was temporarily halted, and 4% said they suffered information leak.

On steps to enhance cybersecurity, 47% of respondents said they were outsourcing defence whereas 38% said they had in-house specialists.

Cyberattack victims in recent months included high-profile publisher Kadokawa whose case prompted the government to work towards strengthening cybersecurity measures.

The survey also showed half of firms support changing a law stipulating that spouses must use the same surname. Women take their husband’s in more than 9 out of 10 marriages, a practice opponents said takes away part of a woman’s identity and burdens them with the masses of paperwork needed to make the change.

The issue came under renewed spotlight after the Keidanren business lobby last month asked the government to allow married individuals to keep their surnames.

In the survey, 50% of respondents said they supported such legislative change compared with 11% that opposed.

“The current system is hurting individuals’ – and especially women’s – dignity and freedom,” a manager at a machinery firm wrote. An official at a steelmaker called change the “natural demand of the times”.

In opposition, a manager at a non-ferrous metal manufacturer said allowing separate surnames could “weaken family bonds.”

Asked how a change in the law would affect their business, 14% of respondents said employee morale would be boosted and 10% said it would help hiring activity, while 56% said they expected no impact.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)