News
3M study reveals French concerns about shoulder surfing
September 2013 by 3M and Secure
3M and Secure, the European Association for Visual Data Security, today announced the results of a new survey entitled “Data Security In France”, conducted by ComRes. Key findings suggest that nearly half of French adults have had concerns that others could view their confidential information at work or in public places such as trains and coffee shops. The poll also reveals that nearly two fifths have found themselves in a position where they could shoulder surf other peoples’ data.
Researchers questioned 1,000 French adults, chosen according to gender, age and geographical region to accurately reflect the structure of the national population. Results suggest that 46 per cent have been concerned that someone might be able to see or read confidential or private information that they are accessing or working on, with men being more likely than women to be concerned (52 per cent versus 41 per cent).
When asked if they had ever been able to see or read potentially confidential or private information that someone else was accessing or working on, the results further suggest potential problems with data security in France. Almost two out of five (38 per cent) French adults say that at some point they had been able to see such information. Again, men are more likely than women to agree (42 per cent versus 34 per cent respectively).
These results reflect those of a similar survey carried out in the UK during July 2012 (1), which found that 64 per cent of adults have been able to view the material of others. Those results also showed that 51 per cent of UK adults always take precautions against shoulder surfing at work and in public places.
This latest survey highlights the need for effective countermeasures throughout Europe, according to Peter Barker, Market Development Manager EMEA, Speciality Display Products, 3M Optical Systems Division: “These surveys demonstrate emphatically that the need is there. With the advanced technology of our privacy filters and privacy screen protectors, the good news is that it’s never been easier to integrate visual data security into your overall data defence strategy.”
Methodology note
ComRes interviewed 1,000 French adults online from 13 to 18 February 2013. Data was weighted to be demographically representative of all French adults aged 18+. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
