Latest news with #HarrisInteractive


Business Wire
24-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Metomic Finds AI Data Leaks Impact 68% of Organizations, But Only 23% Have Proper AI Data Security Policies
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Metomic, a next-generation data security and data loss prevention (DLP) solution for AI and SaaS work environments, today released its annual "2025 State of Data Security Report: Top Priorities, Challenges and Concerns for Today's CISOs." Created in collaboration with Harris Interactive, the report reveals alarming AI security vulnerabilities in the workplace despite high confidence levels among security leaders. The survey of more than 400 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and security leaders in the U.S. and UK found that AI integration in workplace tools has created unprecedented data security challenges. While 90% of respondents expressed confidence in their organizations' security measures and 91% believed their employee training initiatives were successful, the reality tells a different story. More than half reported regular malware attacks, phishing schemes, and data breaches—many directly linked to improper AI implementation and usage. "The proliferation of AI across workplace tools has dramatically expanded the attack surface for malicious actors," said Ben van Enckevort, co-founder and CTO, Metomic. "Our research shows that employees using AI applications without proper guardrails are unwittingly exposing sensitive company data at an alarming rate. The gap between security leaders' confidence and the actual threat landscape represents one of the most significant blind spots in modern cybersecurity." The report highlights that 68% of organizations have experienced data leakage incidents specifically related to employees sharing sensitive information with AI tools. Despite these incidents, only 23% have implemented comprehensive AI security policies. This disconnect demonstrates the urgent need for AI-specific security protocols as these technologies become increasingly embedded in daily workflows. When asked what could prevent their security program from being successful in 2025, 80% of survey respondents cited fostering a strong security culture within their organization as their top challenge. This finding aligns with a 2024 report from the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) and Enterprise Strategy Group that revealed 74% of CISOs believe cybersecurity complexity and workloads have increased in the past two years—a reality exacerbated by rapid AI adoption across organizations. "Our report puts a spotlight on a hard truth that very few security professionals are addressing: Cybersecurity software solutions simply cannot single-handedly protect an organization from the ongoing influx of data security threats, particularly those introduced by AI systems," van Enckevort continued. "In today's threat landscape, the most effective security teams are led by CISOs who are focused on building security-conscious organizations from the ground up, with particular attention to the unique risks posed by AI integration." The report also includes insights on how security leaders plan to allocate their time and resources, with 44% prioritizing security infrastructure oversight and implementation—much of which now focuses on securing AI systems and preventing data leakage through these channels. This marks a shift from last year when security operations was the top priority, now falling to third place behind security infrastructure and security awareness training. Another notable change in findings since last year: ransomware has overtaken phishing schemes and customer data breaches as a top security concern in the U.S., with AI-enabled ransomware attacks showing particular sophistication. In the UK, security risks associated with third-party suppliers have surged by more than ten percentage points as a top concern, largely driven by the integration of third-party AI solutions. "To truly protect a business' most critical data in the age of widespread AI adoption, there must be a fundamental mindset shift that begins within the security team and spreads throughout the organization," van Enckevort emphasized. "The most effective cybersecurity strategies are not centered on security tools alone—they require leadership commitment, cultural change, and human behavior adaptation specifically addressing AI risks. It's about taking security awareness to a whole new level where it is continuous, contextual and embedded into daily workflows. This concept is foundational to Metomic's value: enabling better decision-making processes, cultural buy-in, and a shift toward more proactive security management in an AI-driven workplace." The full report can be downloaded from Metomic's website at: "2025 State of Data Security Report: Top Priorities, Challenges and Concerns for Today's CISOs." Metomic's data security software for SaaS, GenAI and cloud was born out of the frustration of its leaders trying to implement SaaS applications that make businesses more productive but are off limits because of high-risk security concerns. As a next generation security solution focused on cloud-based applications, Metomic gives security teams clear visibility into their organization's SaaS network to manage sensitive data and detect security threats, allowing businesses to take full advantage of their SaaS application network. To learn more visit


Zawya
26-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Toluna unifies its global brands to power the future of insights
KSA – In today's insight-driven world, where expertise, speed, and agility define success, Toluna is taking a bold step forward. The global insights leader is unifying its family of brands – Harris Interactive, GutCheck and MetrixLab- under a single, refreshed identity: Toluna. This strategic transformation is the culmination of years of sustained investment in technology, AI, world class research expertise, high quality first-party data and global scale - firmly establishing Toluna at the forefront of next-generation insights. By uniting under a single brand, Toluna is streamlining its value proposition: one partner delivering contemporary end-to-end solutions - from agile research to advanced analytics - powered by first-party data. At the heart of Toluna's transformation is the integration of AI across its platform, accelerating speed to insight, enhancing data quality, and unlocking deeper consumer understanding This transformation is strengthened by MetrixLab's expertise in brand, product, and communications research, Harris Interactive's best-in-class methodologies, and GutCheck's agile, human-centric solutions - now combined under one unified platform. 'Over the past 25 years, we have worked hard to build a global insights powerhouse - seamlessly integrating research expertise, technology, first-party data, and flexible service models,' said Frédéric-Charles Petit, Founder and CEO of Toluna. 'Bringing our brands and people together under Toluna is more than a brand refresh - it's a strategic milestone that reflects our shared vision that began in 2000: reshaping the insights industry and delivering even greater value to clients navigating constant change. Our relentless commitment to empowering a better world through trailblazing insights culminates today and while this milestone marks a new chapter for Toluna, our journey is far from over—we remain focused on continuous innovation, especially through the responsible and dynamic use of AI, to help our clients navigate complexity and anticipate what's next.' With this evolution, Toluna is also introducing TolunaID - the new name for its dedicated division serving research agencies and consultancies - reinforcing its legacy of industry-leading quality and expertise in this sector. Toluna Start, the company's advanced insights technology platform, has been refreshed to align with the new brand identity, as has Influencers by Toluna, its proprietary first-party global panel community which continues to power agile, high-quality data collection across 70+ markets. Georges Akkaoui, Enterprise Account Director at Toluna MEAT, remarked: 'Saudi Arabia is undergoing a profound transformation, with businesses increasingly relying on real-time data and consumer expertise to stay ahead. Toluna now offers a complete ecosystem of market research capabilities — from agile studies to sophisticated brand trackers and more — built on a high-quality panel, tested methodologies, decades of research expertise, global reach, and the responsible use of AI. This integrated approach empowers organizations across the Kingdom with trustworthy market and consumer intelligence, enabling them to make confident, informed decisions. As Saudi Arabia advances toward its Vision 2030 goals, Toluna is proud to support this digital evolution, helping businesses embrace change and unlock new opportunities with clarity and confidence." About Toluna Toluna is the global research and insights leader that enables businesses to make smarter, data-driven decisions - faster. For 25 years, we have partnered with the world's leading brands, delivering transformative impact through our advanced technology platform, comprehensive solution portfolio, expansive global first-party panel, and world-class team of leading research experts. Since 2019, we've made significant investments in artificial intelligence to enhance automation, accelerate insight delivery, and unlock deeper understanding at scale. With 40+ offices worldwide, Toluna operates in 70+ countries, redefining the future of insights. Learn more at Media Contact: Rima Termos Communication Consultant for Toluna in the Middle East rima@


Iraqi News
19-02-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
New pension battle in France threatens fresh crisis for Emmanuel Macron
France's public audit office is set to release a report this week that could reignite the fiery debate surrounding President Emmanuel Macron's controversial pension reforms. The report, which assesses the true size of the country's pension deficit, comes at a delicate time for Macron's government, already grappling with fragility and substantial debt. In 2023, Macron pushed through an unpopular increase to the retirement age, raising it by two years to 64. Despite widespread strikes and protests, the president insisted the move was essential to preserving the nation's generous but financially strained pension system. Now, the audit office's findings, requested by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, could throw the issue back into the political spotlight. Estimates of the pension shortfall vary dramatically, ranging from €6 billion to a staggering €45 billion. Bayrou commissioned the audit as part of his attempt to negotiate with Socialist lawmakers, offering to revisit the pension overhaul in exchange for their political backing. However, unions and opposition parties across the political spectrum, from the far left to the far right, remain firmly opposed to the reforms and continue to demand their complete repeal. As part of his offer, Bayrou, a long-time debt hawk, asked employers and unions to form a "conclave" to design a more acceptable reform. He also weighed in with his own view on the pension shortfall, estimated at €6 billion by the independent pension advisory council. Bayrou said the actual gap between contributions from workers and employers and payouts was as much as €45 billion annually, disregarding taxpayer-funded subsidies that are used to narrow the deficit. If the public audit office concurs on Thursday with Bayrou's estimate of a larger shortfall, it could undermine the left's argument that France can afford to reverse the increase in retirement age and likely reassure investors fretting about the state of France's rickety public finances. Many economists consider raising the pension age an essential move to adapt the country's public finances to a rapidly ageing population. However, if the auditor judges the shortfall to be in line with the advisory council's estimates, it will likely embolden those pushing to lower the retirement age, bringing the pensions debate back to the forefront of French politics. Jean-Daniel Levy, from pollster Harris Interactive, said the pensions issue could plunge France back into chaos. France's biggest union, the moderate CFDT, has already said it will abandon the talks if they're based on the bigger shortfall. "We won't be there if it's a fake presentation of the pension system's finances," CFDT head Marylise Leon told France Info radio earlier this month. Meanwhile, employers' federations are cautious about any changes that would leave them paying more into the pension pot. High stakes talks The stakes are high for Bayrou, who has already survived five no-confidence motions. He had to make billions of euros in concessions to get the 2025 budget approved after failure to pass the legislation led to the ouster of his predecessor, Michel Barnier. Investors, ratings agencies and Paris' European Union partners - wary after France's budget deficit spiralled out of control in the last two years - are closely watching the talks for signs the pension system's finances could come out weaker. "It's going to be an extremely complicated discussion given the constraints, socially, financially, and politically," Moody's senior credit officer Olivier Chemla told Reuters. "Any change deteriorating or reducing fiscal sustainability would be credit negative," he added. Bayrou has said that while all options were on the table for tweaking the 2023 reform, any amendments must not leave the pension system in worse financial shape. Changes to the pension system are highly sensitive as many are deeply attached to the principle that payroll contributions from workers fund payouts to retirees. In reality, workers and employers' payroll contributions only cover part of the pension payouts. "The system is two thirds based on an insurance model and one third subsidised by the state. We can accept that, but it means that our (2023) retirement reform was insufficient," said lawmaker and former finance minister Antoine Armand, calling for a role for private pension funds in the financing. Some French pensioners doubted talks to rework the reforms would lead to much. "Company bosses don't want to pay a cent more and it's not the prime minister who is going to look out for small people," retired bank employee and union activist Renee Barbillon, 72, said. "They used to say that when you want to kill off a debate you create a commission."


The Independent
19-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
New pension battle in France threatens fresh crisis for Emmanuel Macron
France 's public audit office is set to release a report this week that could reignite the fiery debate surrounding President Emmanuel Macron 's controversial pension reforms. The report, which assesses the true size of the country's pension deficit, comes at a delicate time for Macron's government, already grappling with fragility and substantial debt. In 2023, Macron pushed through an unpopular increase to the retirement age, raising it by two years to 64. Despite widespread strikes and protests, the president insisted the move was essential to preserving the nation's generous but financially strained pension system. Now, the audit office's findings, requested by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, could throw the issue back into the political spotlight. Estimates of the pension shortfall vary dramatically, ranging from €6 billion to a staggering €45 billion. Bayrou commissioned the audit as part of his attempt to negotiate with Socialist lawmakers, offering to revisit the pension overhaul in exchange for their political backing. However, unions and opposition parties across the political spectrum, from the far left to the far right, remain firmly opposed to the reforms and continue to demand their complete repeal. As part of his offer, Bayrou, a long-time debt hawk, asked employers and unions to form a "conclave" to design a more acceptable reform. He also weighed in with his own view on the pension shortfall, estimated at €6 billion by the independent pension advisory council. Bayrou said the actual gap between contributions from workers and employers and payouts was as much as €45 billion annually, disregarding taxpayer-funded subsidies that are used to narrow the deficit. If the public audit office concurs on Thursday with Bayrou's estimate of a larger shortfall, it could undermine the left's argument that France can afford to reverse the increase in retirement age and likely reassure investors fretting about the state of France's rickety public finances. Many economists consider raising the pension age an essential move to adapt the country's public finances to a rapidly ageing population. However, if the auditor judges the shortfall to be in line with the advisory council's estimates, it will likely embolden those pushing to lower the retirement age, bringing the pensions debate back to the forefront of French politics. Jean-Daniel Levy, from pollster Harris Interactive, said the pensions issue could plunge France back into chaos. France's biggest union, the moderate CFDT, has already said it will abandon the talks if they're based on the bigger shortfall. "We won't be there if it's a fake presentation of the pension system's finances," CFDT head Marylise Leon told France Info radio earlier this month. Meanwhile, employers' federations are cautious about any changes that would leave them paying more into the pension pot. High stakes talks The stakes are high for Bayrou, who has already survived five no-confidence motions. He had to make billions of euros in concessions to get the 2025 budget approved after failure to pass the legislation led to the ouster of his predecessor, Michel Barnier. Investors, ratings agencies and Paris' European Union partners - wary after France's budget deficit spiralled out of control in the last two years - are closely watching the talks for signs the pension system's finances could come out weaker. "It's going to be an extremely complicated discussion given the constraints, socially, financially, and politically," Moody's senior credit officer Olivier Chemla told Reuters. "Any change deteriorating or reducing fiscal sustainability would be credit negative," he added. Bayrou has said that while all options were on the table for tweaking the 2023 reform, any amendments must not leave the pension system in worse financial shape. Changes to the pension system are highly sensitive as many are deeply attached to the principle that payroll contributions from workers fund payouts to retirees. In reality, workers and employers' payroll contributions only cover part of the pension payouts. "The system is two thirds based on an insurance model and one third subsidised by the state. We can accept that, but it means that our (2023) retirement reform was insufficient," said lawmaker and former finance minister Antoine Armand, calling for a role for private pension funds in the financing. Some French pensioners doubted talks to rework the reforms would lead to much. "Company bosses don't want to pay a cent more and it's not the prime minister who is going to look out for small people," retired bank employee and union activist Renee Barbillon, 72, said. "They used to say that when you want to kill off a debate you create a commission."