Latest news with #PatrickSpencer
Mid East Info
4 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Kiteworks Survey Reveals Only 17% of Organizations Have Technical Controls for AI Data Security While Over One-Quarter Report High Private Data Exposure
Organizations rush to adopt AI but fail to have commensurate security and compliance controls in place Kiteworks, which empowers organizations to effectively manage risk in every send, share, receive, and use of private data, today released findings from its AI Data Security and Compliance Risk Survey of 461 cybersecurity, IT, risk management, and compliance professionals. The survey, which was conducted by Centiment, reveals critical implementation failures: Only 17% of organizations have technical controls that block access to public AI tools combined with DLP scanning, while 26% report over 30% of data employees ingest in public AI tools is private data. These findings emerge amid a documented surge in AI-related incidents. Stanford's 2025 AI Index Report records a 56.4% year-over-year increase in AI privacy incidents, reaching 233 incidents last year.[1] The Kiteworks survey exposes how organizations remain unprepared: 40% restrict AI tool usage through training and audits, 20% rely solely on warnings without monitoring, and 13% lack any specific policies for public AI tool usage—leaving the vast majority vulnerable to emerging threats. 'Our research reveals a fundamental disconnect between AI adoption and security implementation,' said Tim Freestone, Chief Marketing Officer at Kiteworks. 'When only 17% have technical blocking controls with DLP scanning, we're witnessing systemic governance failure. The fact that Google reports 44% of zero-day attacks target data exchange systems undermines the very systems organizations rely on for protection.' Industry Benchmarks Reveal Dangerous Overconfidence Gap The Kiteworks survey exposes a critical overconfidence crisis in AI governance readiness. While one-third of survey respondents claim they have comprehensive governance controls and tracking in place, this contrasts starkly with Gartner's finding that only 12% of organizations have dedicated AI governance structures, with 55% lacking any framework whatsoever.[2] This dramatic gap between perception and reality creates unprecedented risk exposure. Deloitte's research provides even more sobering context: Only 9% of organizations achieve 'Ready' level AI governance maturity, despite 23% claiming to be 'highly prepared'—a 14-point overconfidence gap.[3] This misalignment is particularly concerning given that 86% of organizations lack visibility into AI data flows, according to industry research.[4] The rush to adopt AI without proper controls is accelerating. A recent EY survey found 48% of technology companies are already deploying AI agents, with 92% planning to increase AI spending—a 10% jump from March 2024.[5] Yet this enthusiasm comes with what EY calls 'tremendous pressure' to demonstrate ROI, creating incentives to prioritize speed over security. 'The gap between self-reported capabilities and measured maturity represents a dangerous form of organizational blindness,' explained Patrick Spencer, VP of Corporate Marketing and Research at Kiteworks. 'When organizations claiming governance discover their tracking reveals significantly more risks than anticipated according to Deloitte, and when 91% have only basic or in-progress AI governance capabilities, this overconfidence multiplies risk exposure precisely when threats are escalating.' Legal Sector Exemplifies Implementation-Awareness Gap The Kiteworks survey found legal professionals report the highest concern about data leakage at 31%, yet implementation remains weak: 15% have no specific policies or controls regarding the use of public AI tools with company data, while 19% rely on unmonitored warnings. This implementation gap becomes more pronounced in privacy investment strategies. While 23% of all organizations maintain comprehensive privacy controls with regular audits before any AI system deployment, only 15% of legal firms have fallen into the trap of having no formal privacy controls while prioritizing rapid AI adoption—an 8-point improvement over the 23% average across all sectors yet still concerning given their fiduciary duties. The disconnect aligns with Thomson Reuters data showing only 41% of law firms have AI policies despite 95% expecting AI to become central within five years.[6] This gap between current readiness and future expectations in the legal sector—an industry built on precedent and risk mitigation—exemplifies the broader organizational tendency to defer critical security implementations while embracing transformative technologies. AI Security Gap: When Perception Meets Reality The survey's finding that only 17% have implemented technical controls that block access to public AI tools combined with DLP scanning becomes more concerning given the evolving threat landscape. Google's research reveals 44% of zero-day vulnerabilities target data exchange systems, with 60% of enterprise-targeted zero days exploiting security and networking tools—the very systems meant to protect sensitive data. Despite awareness of risks, the Kiteworks survey found organizations remain deeply divided on addressing vulnerabilities: 34% report using a balanced approach with data minimization and selective privacy-enhancing technologies 23% maintain comprehensive privacy controls with regular audits 10% have basic privacy policies but prioritize AI innovation 10% address privacy concerns reactively, focusing on compliance only when legally required 23% have no formal privacy controls and prioritize rapid AI adoption Based on the convergence of weak controls, limited visibility, and escalating threats, organizations must: Acknowledge Reality: Recognize that self-assessed governance may significantly overstate actual maturity based on industry benchmarks Deploy Verifiable Controls: Implement automated governance tracking and controls that can demonstrate compliance, not just claim it Prepare for Regulatory Scrutiny: Quantify exposure gaps and implement measurable improvements 'The data reveals organizations significantly overestimate their AI governance maturity,' concluded Freestone. 'With incidents surging, zero-day attacks targeting the security infrastructure itself, and the vast majority lacking real visibility or control, the window for implementing meaningful protections is rapidly closing.' [1] 'The 2025 AI Index Report,' Stanford University, 2025. [2] 'AI Governance Frameworks for Responsible AI,' Gartner, March 20, 2023. [3] 'New Deloitte survey finds expectations for Gen AI remain high, but many are feeling pressure to quickly realize value while managing risks,' Deloitte, January 15, 2024. [4] 'Flying blind: Only 14 percent of companies surveyed have a comprehensive overview of generative AI usage,' LeanIX, June 18, 2024. [5] 'EY survey reveals that technology companies are setting the pace of agentic AI – will others follow suit?' EY, May 14, 2025. [6] '2025 Generative AI in Professional Services Report,' Thomson Reuters, February 2025.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Suspended Tory MP denies sexually assaulting two women at London club
An MP faces trial over allegations he groped two women in one night while drunk at the Groucho private members' club in London. Patrick Spencer, the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault at Westminster magistrates court on Monday morning. He was told the magistrate could deal with the case, but exercised his right to be tried by a jury in the crown court instead. The prosecutor, Polly Dyer, told the court Spencer was accused of touching the breasts of two women without their consent on 12 August 2023. She said the prosecution's case was that Spencer made an initial approach to one of the complainants that made her feel uncomfortable at about 8pm that evening. It was alleged he appeared intoxicated and insisted on buying her a drink, to the extent that she felt forced, and asked about her marriage. About four hours later on the same night, the prosecutor alleged, Spencer walked up behind the woman, put his arms beneath hers, and cupped her breasts over her clothing. The chief magistrate, Paul Goldspring, heard the woman was taken by surprise, that she did not know why he had done it, and had not consented. The court heard the prosecution's claim that the second complainant had given a similar account relating to the same night. It was alleged Spencer insisted she try a drink. In the hope it would make him relent without her having to be rude, the prosecutor said the second complainant took a sip. But Spencer put his arms around her, cupping her breasts, the court heard. The complainant removed his hands and the prosecution told the court she had not consented. Spencer became a Conservative MP in the general election the year after the incidents are alleged to have occurred. The Conservative party said he had been suspended and that the whip had been withdrawn with immediate effect. Spencer, who wore a suit and glasses as he sat in the dock, rose to enter his not guilty pleas. He opted for a trial before a jury and was bailed to attend Southwark crown court on 14 July.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Patrick Spencer: Suspended Tory MP denies sexually assaulting two women at private members' club
An MP has denied two counts of sexual assault allegedly carried out at a private members' club in central London. Patrick Spencer, who represents Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, is accused of cupping the breasts of two women over their clothes at the Groucho Club in August 2023. The 37-year-old confirmed his full name and date of birth before pleading not guilty to the offences at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Politics Hub: He is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 14 July. Spencer was suspended from the Conservative Party and had the whip withdrawn after the charges were brought. Read more from Sky News: The politician was first elected to parliament last year with a majority of 4,290. Lawyers acting for the MP have previously said he "categorically denies the charges" and would defend against the allegations "robustly in court". The Groucho Club, on Dean Street, opened in 1985 and became a renowned meeting place for A-list celebrities and others, including actors, comedians and media executives. The club was named after the comedian and actor Groucho Marx, who reportedly once said he would refuse to join any club that would have him as a member.
Sky News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News
Patrick Spencer: Suspended Tory MP denies sexually assaulting two women at private members' club
An MP has denied two counts of sexual assault allegedly carried out at a private members' club in central London. Patrick Spencer, who represents Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, is accused of cupping the breasts of two women over their clothes at the Groucho Club in August 2023. The 37-year-old confirmed his full name and date of birth before pleading not guilty to the offences at Westminster Magistrates' Court. He is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 14 July. Spencer was suspended from the Conservative Party and had the whip withdrawn after the charges were brought. The politician was first elected to parliament last year with a majority of 4,290. Lawyers acting for the MP have previously said he "categorically denies the charges" and would defend against the allegations "robustly in court". The Groucho Club, on Dean Street, opened in 1985 and became a renowned meeting place for A-list celebrities and others, including actors, comedians and media executives. The club was named after the comedian and actor Groucho Marx, who reportedly once said he would refuse to join any club that would have him as a member.
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Tory MP ‘cupped' two women's breasts at Groucho Club
Tory MP Patrick Spencer cupped the breasts of two women at London's Groucho Club, a court heard. The MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich is alleged to have carried out the assaults over their clothes at the Soho private members' club in August 2023. The 'intoxicated' 37-year-old left the women feeling 'uncomfortable' after asking about one of their marriages and trying to force both to have a drink with him, it was heard. Wearing a dark suit jacket with a white shirt and tie at Westminster Magistrates' Court, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth, before denying two counts of sexual assault. Polly Dyer, for the prosecution, told the court Mr Spencer 'appeared to be intoxicated' at the time of the offences on the two women. 'The first of the complainants report that at around 8pm the defendant insisted on buying her a drink,' she said. 'He made her feel uncomfortable asking about her marriage and trying to force her to have a drink. She felt it was inappropriate and walked away.' The court heard later that evening, at around midnight, Mr Spencer approached the same woman again and 'put his arms under her arms and cupped her breasts'. Ms Dyer said the woman was 'taken by surprise'. The court heard a similar incident happened with the second woman, who he 'insisted' should have a drink with him. Ms Dyer said she did not want to or enjoy the drink when it was brought to her, but took a few sips to be polite. However, he is then alleged to have moved back and cupped her breasts with his hands, leaving her 'shocked and embarrassed'. At the short hearing, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring ordered Mr Spencer to appear at Southwark Crown Court on July 14. He warned him that a warrant would be issued for his arrest if he failed to attend. Last month, Mr Spencer was suspended by the Conservative Party after being charged with the offences and asked not to attend the parliamentary estate while police enquiries were ongoing. The Metropolitan Police said at the time that he had voluntarily taken part in an interview at a London police station. He was elected as MP of his constituency last July, with a majority of 4,290, but he now sits as an independent following the removal of the whip.
