TOKYO - Data leaks or suspected leaks, including those caused by cyberattacks or human error, have impacted 30.2 percent of large Japanese companies at some point in the past, a research firm's survey showed Monday.
Including possible but unconfirmed incidents, the online survey by Teikoku Databank Ltd. showed that large firms were impacted at a higher rate than small and medium-sized companies. Overall, 16.2 percent of firms in the survey said they have experienced data leaks or possible leaks.
According to the survey, 5.5 percent of firms reported leaks or possible leaks in the past year. On the other hand, 14.8 percent of companies said they "do not know" if they have experienced data leaks, indicating that some firms did not have a clear understanding of whether they had been impacted by such incidents.
Several companies cited human error as the cause, such as sending emails to the wrong recipient.
In another incident, a company said, "We received an email believing it was from someone representing another company. Believing it to be urgent, we sent them information without confirming over the phone."
Some small and medium-sized companies reported difficulty in implementing adequate measures against leaks due to financial and staffing constraints.
The survey, conducted Oct. 9-14, received valid responses from 1,328 companies.
