Research: Majority Of Business Leaders Underestimate Risk Of Advanced Cyberthreats

  • Jul 06, 2010

NetWitness Corp. recently announced the results of a research study by the Ponemon Institute on advanced threat prevalence, impact and preparedness. The study demonstrates that a vast majority of enterprises of all sizes regularly fall victim to advanced cyber threats, at the same time, more than half of these organizations recognize their defensive technologies, personnel and budget as "inadequate."

The group of nearly 600 IT and IT security leaders provided insight into a wide variety of issues and concerns surrounding business risk and the security of enterprise technology environments.

"Information security is not a set-it-and-forget-it proposition," said Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of the Ponemon Institute. "In our discussions with key stakeholders, it is obvious that while threats are evolving quickly, defenses continue to lag. More than 70 percent of organizations reported that advanced threats are evading traditional security stalwarts such as AV and IDS. The stakes could not be higher since nearly half of the sample group has also experienced the loss of critical business information as a result of a successful attack."

With more than 83 percent believing that their organizations have been recently targeted by advanced threats (41 percent citing they are frequent targets) the need for training security personnel and using new methods for attack detection and remediation is a growing requirement.

Detection of advanced threats is low:

  • 46 percent took one month or longer to detect an advanced threat.
  • 45 percent discovered the attackers "by accident".
  • 47 percent rely on either ad hoc activities or manual analysis to detect advanced threats.

Changes are required across the board:

  • 81 percent felt that their leadership lacked awareness of the seriousness of the business risks associated with advanced threats.
  • Only 24 percent agreed that prevention or quick detection of advanced threats is a top security priority in their organization.
  • Only 32 percent reported that their security-enabling technologies are adequate.
  • Only 26 percent reported security personnel are adequate to deal with advanced threats.

"The Ponemon Institute study provides the first true industry insight into the deep concerns of commercial and government organizations in the U.S. regarding advanced threats," said Nick Lantuh, president of NetWitness Corp. "It is clear from these statistics that organizations are experiencing both the frustration and the material losses associated with advanced threats, and are seeking better ways to mitigate these serious risks to their critical business operations. This study validates what we have been hearing regularly over the last several years, and reinforces the urgency for organizations to adopt NetWitness to obtain the clarity and definitive answers required to inform and enable better risk management and business decisions around advanced threats."

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 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.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.