Highlights From Kiteworks' 2023 Sensitive Content Communications Privacy and Compliance Report

Key Takeaways From Kiteworks’ 2023 Sensitive Content Communications Privacy and Compliance Report

Businesses face numerous challenges when it comes to managing sensitive content communications today. Kiteworks’ 2023 Sensitive Content Communications Privacy and Compliance Report reveals that most organizations rely on five or more communication tools, struggle to measure and manage their security and compliance risks, send and share sensitive content with thousands of third parties, and have inadequate governance tracking and controls to protect sensitive content exchanged with third parties. And with each respondent admitting they experienced four or more exploits of sensitive content communications this past year and each successful exploit resulted in over $1 million in negative financial implications, brand impact, and compliance fines and penalties, the need for a digital rights management (DRM) reset has never been higher.

Following are some of the key insights contained in the report:

Complexity of Sensitive Content Communications

Nearly 85% of survey respondents stated their organizations rely on five or more tools for file and email content communications. Lack of unified policy management, visibility, and reporting across these communication channels makes it extremely difficult to manage security and compliance risk. Each tool comes with its own set of challenges, including security vulnerabilities and potential compliance risks.

Evaluating the Risks of Third-party Access

Fewer than one-quarter of respondents said they manage or restrict all third-party access to sensitive content. This is alarming considering the potential risks associated with unauthorized access to confidential information. Organizations require a content-defined zero-trust approach that tracks, controls, and monitors third-party access, safeguarding sensitive content from falling into the wrong hands.

Sensitive Content Communications Exploits and Vulnerabilities

Another significant revelation from the report is that nearly 85% of respondents disclosed experiencing four or more sensitive content communication exploits in the past year. This highlights the persistent threat landscape organizations face when it comes to protecting their sensitive information. These exploits can result in data breaches, financial losses, and damage to an organization’s reputation. It is crucial for businesses to proactively address these vulnerabilities and fortify their communication channels to prevent future incidents.

Importance of Regulatory Compliance

The importance of compliance with data privacy regulations cannot be overstated. Over 40% of respondents revealed they have been hit with regulatory fines and penalties due to noncompliance. This serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences that organizations may face when failing to adhere to privacy regulations. To mitigate these risks, businesses must prioritize compliance efforts, invest in robust data protection measures, and stay up to date with evolving regulatory requirements.

Need for Improved Risk Management

Nearly half of the survey respondents indicated they require either a completely new approach or significant improvement in third-party sensitive content communication risk management. This finding highlights the need for organizations to reassess their current strategies and adopt a more proactive and comprehensive approach to managing risks associated with sensitive content communications. By doing so, businesses can better protect their private data, mitigate vulnerabilities, and enhance overall security posture.

Get Your Copy of the Report Today!

Kiteworks’ 2023 Sensitive Content Communications Privacy and Compliance Report provides valuable insights into the challenges and risks associated with managing sensitive content in today’s digital landscape. To stay informed and take proactive steps toward enhancing your organization’s data privacy and compliance practices, make sure to get your copy of the report today.