Visual Hacking Experiment
The data is in. Visual hackers are out there and 3M can help.
The Visual Hacking Experiment [1]
An eye-opening look at the need for visual privacy in the workplace.
With screens capable of displaying private information virtually anywhere, visual privacy is an issue every organisation must consider.
To see how easy it is to capture sensitive company information through visual hacking, 3M and the Visual Privacy Advisory Council worked with a third party organisation (The Ponemon Institute) to conduct an experiment in which an undercover white hat hacker was sent into several participating corporate offices.
The results serve as a good reminder of the importance of addressing visual privacy in the workplace.
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Visual hacking is easy.An undercover white hat hacker was able to visually hack information in 91% of the global trials.1
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It happens quickly.In nearly half of the global trials an undercover visual hacker was able to obtain information in 15 minutes or less.1
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Computer screens are at risk.Globally, 52% of sensitive information was successfully hacked from employee computer screens.1
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It often goes unnoticed.The visual hacker was stopped in only 32% of global attempts. Meaning 68% of the time no one did anything to stop them.1
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See key findings of the experiment as an infographic.InfographicDownload PDFAn overview of the key findings from the experiment.WhitepaperDownload PDFFor complete details, download the full Visual Hacking study.Full Study
Visual Hacking Risk Areas
Take the risk out of these key risk areas by addressing points of vulnerability in the workplace.
Understanding the methods of visual hackers can help to protect your visual privacy. Organizational leadership should focus on common points of visual hacking to help reduce vulnerability. Login credentials, classified documents, corporate financials and more are all at stake.
Take a walk through your office.
Virtually any screen you see can also be seen by a visual hacker.
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Anyone can be a visual hacker.How many visitors and contractors walk through your office every day? Even your own employees may see sensitive information.
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Open office designs are prime targets.The low walls and shared spaces in many contemporary open office environments mean more screens are visible to more people.
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Be aware of common areas and glass walls.Lunchrooms, break rooms, conference rooms, and glass office walls and doors are all open season for prying eyes.
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59% 3 of employees take their jobs outside the office.
Think outside your walls. In today’s modern, mobile business environment, having a visual privacy plan is more vital than ever.
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3 "Technology’s Impact on Workers”, Pew Research Center, December 2014.
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A visual look at the key risk areas within organizations.InfographicDownload (PDF, 248 KB)Defending your organization’s information from visual hacking.WhitepaperDownload (PDF, 51 KB)In-depth research detailing visual hacking ramifications.Case Study
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Keep visual hackers in the dark
3M Privacy Filters use advanced microlouver technology to block unwanted side views, while providing a crisp, clear view for the intended user.
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Data Security Study
3M and Management Today brought together a selection of data security industry experts to discuss the key issues relating to information security and in particular, visual data security.
