Survey: Majority Of Companies Lack Transparency Needed To Prevent Insider Threats

  • May 12, 2009

Despite a renewed focus on governance and transparency, a recent survey from SailPoint Technologies revealed a disconnect between regulatory compliance and proactive risk management.

This second Market Pulse Survey, conducted in April, focused on how companies are approaching identity governance during the economic downturn, with a particular focus on "insider threats." While 86 percent of the total respondents are concerned about insider threats, they cannot adequately manage the risk of data breaches because the majority of them can't summarize which workers have access to the most critical applications and data.

Massive layoffs are occurring as companies undertake cost-cutting measures, as well as corporate restructuring in the form of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. The magnitude of corporate churn on a global scale, compounded by restricted IT budgets and strained resources, has created a perfect storm for fraud and theft from employees in the affected industries.

Many organizations are trying to mitigate this insider threat risk. In fact, 77 percent of the companies SailPoint surveyed have a risk management function within their IT organization. However, nearly 30 percent of those companies don't allocate budget to that function. That means nearly 50 percent of the affected companies either do not have, or underfund, their IT risk management activities.

A quarter of the respondents were from the banking and financial services industries, evenly split across North America and Europe. All of these companies are concerned about insider threats, with 30 percent saying they're "very concerned." Within the healthcare and insurance companies who responded, 99 percent are concerned about insider threats.

The SailPoint survey also revealed a consistent struggle companies face when managing user access controls for large populations of employees, partners and customers. Of the 125 respondents, 28 percent noted they lack critical access controls and could be more exposed to security breaches than they think. Another 20 percent believe it's simply a matter of time before an internal breach occurs at their company.

"The survey showed that companies lack the necessary transparency to adequately manage worker access to sensitive data and applications," said Jackie Gilbert, SailPoint's vice president of marketing and cofounder. "Since we conducted our first survey last November, close to half of our respondents have undergone major layoffs. In light of this heightened risk, 'what you don't know' can have real consequences on businesses, and executives are starting to realize that. Our survey clearly showed that executives are rightfully concerned, and I suspect we'll see a more disciplined risk management approach for user access control in the coming months."

The survey results can be viewed at http://sailpoint.com/resources/files/2009-market-survey-report.pdf.

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.