UAE Data Loss: Human Error Main Culprit, Report Finds

In its latest release, cybersecurity firm Proofpoint, Inc. delves into the Data Loss Landscape, shedding light on the challenges faced by organizations in the UAE regarding data loss prevention (DLP) and insider threats. The report underscores the critical role of human interaction with technology in data breaches, with “careless users” emerging as the primary culprits compared to compromised systems.

Despite investments in DLP solutions, Proofpoint’s findings reveal that a staggering 94% of surveyed UAE organizations encountered data loss incidents within the past year. The repercussions were significant, ranging from business disruptions to regulatory fines, underlining the severity of the issue.

Emile Abou Saleh,

Senior Regional Director at Proofpoint Middle East, Turkey & Africa, emphasizes the need for employee awareness regarding data protection, stressing that securing data across evolving work models requires adaptable organizational strategies.

Ryan Kalember, Proofpoint’s chief strategy officer, highlights the human element as the core of the data loss problem. He urges organizations to revamp their DLP strategies to address human actions comprehensively, spanning various channels including cloud, email, and web usage.

The report’s global insights indicate that data loss incidents, predominantly caused by careless users, are preventable through robust DLP policies. Misdirected emails, a common source of data breaches, and the escalating concern surrounding generative AI tools further underscore the urgency for proactive measures.

Moreover, the report identifies departing employees and privileged users as significant risk factors, urging organizations to implement preventive strategies and prioritize data protection practices.

As DLP programs mature, compliance with regulatory standards and safeguarding privacy emerge as top priorities for UAE organizations. Kalember stresses the importance of continually reviewing DLP strategies to adapt to evolving user behaviors and emerging communication channels.

In conclusion, the report emphasizes the necessity of recognizing humans as a pivotal variable in data security and advocates for purpose-built DLP platforms to mitigate human-centric data loss scenarios effectively.