A large amount of businesses have accidental leaks

Information leaks will result in the most-publicized bankruptcies in the coming decade, according to an international survey of IT decision makers. Of all international businesses, one in three said an information leak could force them out of business. Over half of the businesses admitted to having an information leak in the last two years.

Only around one in four information leaks results from malicious intent. The vast majority are instead a result of human error or carelessness.

Even a large business is highly vulnerable to an information leak. Consequences to company brand name, reputation and client relations could be fatal.

Information leaks are not often noticed by businesses before it is too late. Only 6 percent of all surveyed people were certain that no information leak in their company has occurred during the last three years.

Feeling secure with the head in the sand

"In Finland, we are relatively well-aware of the consequences of information leaks," says Jari Holmborg of Deltagon Group. "However, we still hold a false sense of security."

"I am especially worried by the full certainty with which businesses claim they will never be victims of information leaks," he continues. "In a way, it could be said many decision makers have simply stuck their head in the sand, believing in their own security."

A survey of over 1400 IT leaders from various businesses of 250 employees or more was conducted by Datamonitor in April 2007. Countries included USA, UK, France, Germany and Australia.