Today’s business professional needs to stay connected, in and out of the office, in a safe and secure way. In a recent survey commissioned by 3M, makers of computer privacy filters, more than 80 percent of all respondents who work outside of their home or office on a laptop computer expressed concern about Internet security(1). However, half of all respondents admit feeling that there is not much they can do about staying completely secure.

Lindsay Moran, a former intelligence operative for the CIA and author of “Blowing My Cover: My Life as a CIA Spy,” took a look at the survey results and the issues they raised and offered some inside tips to help keep data secure when outside the office.

“Every time I enter a coffee shop or visit a public area where people are working on their laptops, I see security vulnerabilities,” said Moran. “From visible screens to people leaving their laptops unattended, there are clear opportunities for people with malicious intent to steal others’ data.”

One of the most surprising results of the survey was that more than 50 percent of respondents have entered credit card information or social security numbers into a computer while working outside of their home or office.

“Don’t make it easy to become a victim of identity theft,” said Moran. “It may be tempting to hop into any Internet café or on a public wi-fi connection to conduct business or attend to personal matters. However, be aware - these spots can be frequented by any number of amateur and/or professional snoops, including identity hackers who can potentially tap into everything you are doing online.”

Another finding from the survey was that more than two in five (44 percent) respondents admit to sneaking looks at others’ screens while in public places. Of these respondents, one in five (21 percent) say they always or often take such peeks when an opportunity arises. When asked what steps people take to shield their screens when they notice others staring, one-third (33 percent) said the only preventive measure they take is “giving a dirty look” to the offender.

“There are two simple tricks that are much more effective than giving someone the evil eye,” said Moran. “First, if you are working in a public area, choose your location carefully and make sure you are sitting where others can’t see your screen – spots in the corner with your back to the wall usually work best. Second, I use a privacy filter from 3M that darkens side views so prying eyes can’t see what’s on my screen.”

Additional Highlights From the 3M Internet Security Survey

While more than 85 percent of all respondents are concerned about Internet security in public places, a sizable portion does not take steps to protect themselves on a regular basis.

• It’s a two-way street: People look at others’ screens in public areas and also notice others looking at their screens:
• More than one in seven (15 percent) people admit they became interested in what they saw on other people’s screen.
• Four in five (80 percent) of these “prying eyes” say they saw work-related material on another person’s computer screen – and 6.7 percent say that they have discovered confidential or secret information that they should not have seen. Likewise, over one-third (40 percent) have noticed strangers looking at their own laptop screen.
• Changing sitting positions (82 percent), or hiding computer screens (52 percent) is the most widely used methods of preventing others from seeing their computer screens.

For more of Moran’s data security tips for business professionals, please visit www.3MPrivacyFilters.com.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company’s customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

(1) The survey was conducted by independent market research firm, Equation Research in March of 2007 among a sample of 2,104 respondents living in major metropolitan areas. The margin of error is +/- 2.1%.

About This Survey

The survey was conducted by an independent market research firm, Equation Research, among a sample of respondents with living in five major metropolitan areas. Respondents had to access the Internet using a laptop computer outside their home or office in order to participate in the study. The study was conducted March 2 – 9, 2007. A total of 2104 qualified surveys were received. The margin of error for total responses is +/- 2.1%.

Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

Hunter Public RelationsSamantha Stark, 212-679-6600, Ext. 297sstark@hunterpr.comor3MKatherine Hagmeier, 651-575-4368