The tech company focused on bridging gaps between IT and security to facilitate Everywhere Work has published its latest report, “Securing the Digital Employee Experience.” This report outlines strategies for organizations to effectively balance the need for security with the goal of providing a positive digital employee experience (DEX).
When employees face technology issues or become frustrated with their tools, they often seek workarounds. Alarmingly, half of office workers admit to using personal devices to access work networks, with 32% stating their employers are unaware of this practice. Despite this, only 13% of security professionals consider user experience (UX) for end users a critical priority when implementing cybersecurity solutions. By prioritizing UX in security measures, organizations can reduce the chances of employees circumventing established protocols and opting for unsafe alternatives.
“While seemingly harmless, these choices reflect a tendency to prioritize convenience over security,” said Mike Riemer, Field CISO at Ivanti. “Companies should understand their employees’ behaviors and implement security measures that discourage the temptation to bypass protocols. Strong security must not compromise user experience, as both are essential for maintaining security and productivity.”
Key findings from the report include:
- Increased Risks with Gen AI: The unregulated use of Gen AI tools can pose challenges related to data privacy, compliance, and cybersecurity risks. Ivanti’s research indicates that 81% of office workers have not received training on Gen AI, and 15% are using unauthorized tools.
- Insufficient Security for Diverse Work Environments: Regardless of the work model—be it fully remote, hybrid, or in-office—there’s a crucial need for organizations to provide secure tools. Only 62% of companies utilize VPNs or zero-trust access solutions, and just 57% implement multi-factor authentication to safeguard sensitive information.
- Exclusion of Security Leaders in DEX Decisions: Security-informed DEX minimizes the need for employees to change their typical workplace behaviors. However, only 38% of organizations involve the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in DEX strategy and investment decisions, despite the potential benefits of DEX tools for security.
Ivanti conducted a survey of over 20,000 IT professionals, executives, office workers, and security experts worldwide to assess how organizations are fostering positive digital employee experiences (DEX) and identifying barriers to seamless experiences.
For more insights and research-based strategies to enhance digital experiences and promote security hygiene, visit the Ivanti website.
About Ivanti
Ivanti is dedicated to breaking down barriers between IT and security, enabling Everywhere Work to flourish. The company has developed a purpose-built technology platform for CIOs and CISOs, offering comprehensive software solutions that scale with organizational needs to enhance, secure, and elevate employee experiences. Powered by Ivanti Neurons—a cloud-scale intelligent hyper-automation layer—the platform facilitates proactive healing and user-friendly security, enhancing the overall employee experience. With over 40,000 customers, including 85 of the Fortune 100, Ivanti is committed to addressing challenges through end-to-end solutions. The company fosters an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and aims for a sustainable future for its customers, partners, employees, and the planet. For more information, visit www.ivanti.com and follow @GoIvanti.
