In today’s highly digitized world, one of the most formidable threats is information leakage. Information leaks can occur through intentional attacks by third parties, accidental incidents, or leaks by company employees, posing risks in various areas.
This article explains why not only large corporations but also startups should implement information leakage対策, touching on the current state of information leaks and the risks associated with such incidents.
Table of Contents
- Current Status of Information Leaks in SMEs
- Survey Results: 40% of SMEs Have Experienced Information Leaks
- Why Are SMEs Vulnerable to Information Leaks?
- Risks Faced by Startups Due to Information Leaks
- Resource Investment and Business Suspension for Incident Resolution
- Loss of Social Trust
- Financial Damage
- Main Routes of Information Leaks
- Cyberattacks such as Malware Infections
- Loss or Theft of Company Devices
- Intentional Removal of Information
- Information Leakage対策 Startups Should Implement
- Building a Basic Security System
- Setting Rules for Incident Prevention
- Signing Non-Disclosure Agreements
- Conclusion
1. Current Status of Information Leaks in SMEs
How often do information leaks occur in SMEs, including startups, in Japan today?
1-1. Survey Results: 40% of SMEs Have Experienced Information Leaks
According to a survey conducted in December 2020 targeting SMEs in Japan, 40% of the companies that responded have actually experienced information leaks.
Reference: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000011.000037527.html
Most information leakage incidents reported in the media involve well-known large corporations.
However, including incidents that are not widely reported in the media, it is conceivable that nearly 40% or even more SMEs have suffered from information leaks, as revealed in this survey.
1-2. Why Are SMEs Vulnerable to Information Leaks?
The survey result that 40% of respondents have experienced information leaks is a serious situation. A major factor contributing to the leakage 피해 that so many companies have suffered is believed to be insufficient security measures.
According to the survey, 80% of the respondents believe their security measures are sufficient. However, according to a survey by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), security measures at SMEs are about 20% less practical than those at large companies.
The gap between the reality that necessary measures are not being taken on-site and the perception of corporate decision-makers that “this is enough” may be contributing to information leaks.
2. Risks Faced by Startups Due to Information Leaks
Specifically, what risks do startups face due to information leaks? Let’s take a closer look at four main risks here.
2-1. Resource Investment and Business Suspension for Incident Resolution
First, when an information leak is discovered, normal operations must be suspended to focus on confirming the extent of the damage and preventing further leaks. It is difficult to resume normal operations until it is clear that it is safe to continue operations. For SMEs and startups that cannot secure sufficient personnel, it is extremely difficult to simultaneously resolve the situation and continue normal operations.
2-2. Loss of Social Trust
In the event of an information leak, it is necessary to devote all efforts to resolving the situation. At the same time, it may be necessary to report the damage to the police or, in some cases, issue a press release to disclose the incident.
Startups, in particular, attract a lot of public attention, and it is very difficult to keep information leaks confidential. Intentionally concealing a leak will further damage public perception.
However, it is necessary to be prepared to lose some user trust when an information leak occurs, and you will have to pay a significant cost to regain that trust.
2-3. Financial Damage
If an information leak is intentionally caused by a third party, there may be cases where money is demanded in exchange for the leaked information.
In this case, depending on the scale of the leak, you may be forced to pay a huge ransom, which could result in the loss of much of the capital needed to continue your business.
3. Main Routes of Information Leaks
Information leaks pose a risk through various routes, and efforts must be made to対策 all approaches and minimize risks. Let’s take a look at the specific routes through which information leaks occur.
3-1. Cyberattacks such as Malware Infections
The most malicious type of damage is cyberattacks intentionally caused through malware infections. Unauthorized access by attackers can expose the company’s internal database, leading to the leakage of personal information and confidential company information.
Information leaks caused by such intentional cyberattacks are intended to harm the target or demand a ransom from the outset, and are expected to cause significant damage. Cyberattack techniques are becoming increasingly diverse, and it is extremely difficult to eliminate these risks completely.
3-2. Loss or Theft of Company Devices
In recent years, a common pattern reported in the news is information leaks resulting from the loss or theft of company PCs, smartphones, USB drives, etc. Even if it does not lead to an information leak, the loss or theft itself is a serious incident and carries the risk of damaging social trust.
Information leaks through these routes do not cause as much direct damage as cyberattacks, but they are generally caused by employee carelessness, which can greatly damage the company’s reputation.
3-3. Intentional Removal of Information
Cases in which employees intentionally remove information are also a common route of information leakage recently. There have been cases where confidential information is handed over to a new employer as a souvenir, and former employees receive preferential treatment.
Much of the information 피해 in this way is highly confidential information held by the company. There is a possibility that the company’s patents and technologies and know-how to maintain a strong competitive edge may be leaked, and easy access and removal must be strictly controlled.
4. Information Leakage対策 Startups Should Implement
What measures should startups take to avoid these risks? The following are three main information leakage対策.
4-1. Building a Basic Security System
The first thing you need to do is build a basic security system. This includes installing anti-virus software on all devices, setting up firewalls, and setting detailed access permissions.
Many SMEs are lagging behind in building this security system. It is essential to keep up with the latest security updates and maintain a system that can always protect you from the latest cyberattacks.
4-2. Setting Rules for Incident Prevention
In addition to improving the system, it is essential to educate employees who operate the system and enforce the rules.
Carefully set rules for the use and removal of company devices, and limit communication tools to specific services, etc., to build a framework that minimizes the occurrence of incidents.
4-3. Signing Non-Disclosure Agreements
Signing a non-disclosure agreement is essential to prevent confidential information from being taken outside the company.
Strictly define the line between information that can and cannot be shared outside the company, and inform employees before hiring that strict penalties will be imposed if removal is confirmed.
Conclusion
This article explained the current state of information leaks that startups should対策. The risks posed by information leaks cannot be ignored and may even lead to the collapse of your business model.
It is impossible to eliminate the risk of information leakage completely, but it is certainly possible to minimize the risk as much as possible. Reconsider the measures your company needs to take and improve your current security対策.
For further inquiries, please contact globalsupport@jiran.com.
