39% of people in Derbyshire join work calls whilst on the toilet

Remote work has become a staple of life for many people in Derbyshire, but with it comes new challenges—particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.

A recent survey conducted by ESET uncovers how we’re managing our cybersecurity, the pressures of staying connected, and the blurred lines between work and personal life.

The survey reveals that a substantial majority of us (83%) have implemented some form of cybersecurity on our devices. However, a notable 7% of respondents are unsure whether they are adequately protected, a concerning gap that leaves room for potential vulnerabilities.

Interestingly, while 54% of us look to our company's IT team to handle cybersecurity, nearly 50% believe that safeguarding our devices is a personal responsibility. This split in perceived responsibility highlights the need for clearer guidelines and better education on cybersecurity best practices in a remote work environment.

Remote work has its benefits, but it also brings significant pressures. The survey found that 58% of respondents have used their work laptops for personal use. Among these, 14% admitted to doing so to stay on top of urgent tasks, while 11% cited difficulty in disconnecting from work as the primary reason.

Moreover, a growing number of us are using our work laptops for personal activities, including streaming, shopping, and even taking them on holidays. Some are even venturing into more questionable corners of the internet, with 20% of respondents admitting to viewing adult content on their work laptops every day.

Additionally, 11% engage in daily online gambling, while 10% use their work laptops for illegal streaming of sports, 9% for accessing the dark web, and 8% allow others in their household to use their work devices daily. These practices raise significant cybersecurity concerns, especially when accessing unsecured Wi-Fi networks in public places like cafes, airports, or hotels. Without proper security measures, these actions could expose sensitive company data to potential breaches.

A separate part of the survey asked how people would feel if their boss could see everything they do on their work laptops. The most common reaction was a feeling of privacy violation, with 36% of Brits indicating this concern. Surprisingly, many are unaware that such monitoring is already possible with software that employers may have installed.

A significant portion, 20%, admitted they would feel a sense of paranoia and mistrust. The survey also revealed some gender differences, with 35% of men feeling their privacy was violated compared to 37% of women. Younger respondents, particularly those aged 16-24, are even more likely to feel their privacy is compromised, with 44% expressing this concern.

The survey also reveals that 39% of workers in Derbyshire admit to joining work calls while on the toilet, a stark example of how casual remote work habits have become!

The findings also reveal a concerning trend: 7% of us feel pressured to always be online, and 9% take our work laptops home because we believe our bosses expect us to be available at all times. This pressure to stay connected blurs the boundaries between personal and professional life, leading to increased stress and potential burnout.

With nearly 3% of us admitting we don't know what cybersecurity is, and another 7% unsure about our protection status, the survey underscores a critical need for improved cybersecurity education. Companies must take proactive steps to ensure that all employees, regardless of their role, understand the importance of cybersecurity and how to maintain it, especially when working remotely or in less secure environments.

The shift to remote work has brought both opportunities and challenges for people across the UK. While many of us have adapted by implementing cybersecurity measures, the survey highlights significant gaps in knowledge and practice that need to be addressed. As the lines between work and personal life continue to blur, it's crucial for both companies and employees to take a proactive stance on cybersecurity and work-life balance to ensure a sustainable and secure remote work environment.

Research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of ESET. The research spoke to 2,015 adults (18 and above) in the UK, nationally representative. The research was conducted between 25.07.2024 – 29.07.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.