Nearly Half of IT Workers Snoop in Confidential Files

Nearly half of IT workers have admitted to snooping around networks to look at confidential information, according to research from software firm Cyber-Ark.

"When it comes down to it, IT has essentially enabled snooping to happen. It's easy -- all you need is access to the right passwords or privileged accounts and you're privy to everything that's going on within your company," said Mark Fullbrook, U.K. director of Cyber-Ark.

The survey also revealed that privileged passwords get changed very infrequently. Thirty percent admitted privileged passwords were only changed every quarter while 9 percent claimed they never changed privileged passwords, giving indefinite access to those who know the passwords, even when they've left an organization.

"As we have seen many use their privileged passwords without having to seek authorization, and if the price is right what's stopping them from choosing to trade information to the highest bidder," said Fullbrook.

"Companies need to wake up to the fact that if they don't introduce layers of security and tighten up who has access to vital information, by managing and controlling privileged passwords, snooping, sabotage and hacking will continue," he added.