Survey: Organizations Concerned With Finding Balance Between Using Emerging Technology, Protecting Information

An increasingly mobile workforce, cloud computing and social networking all pose significant threats to organizations' information security programs, according to the 13th annual Ernst & Young Global Information Security Survey. The report, titled Borderless security: Ernst & Young's 2010 Global Information Security Survey, indicates that while there is a commitment to protecting data, organizations still face advanced, persistent threats that jeopardize the traditional corporate umbrella.

The report is based on a survey of nearly 1,600 senior executives in 56 countries and takes an in-depth look at the challenges organizations face when it comes to current trends, new technologies used by their workforce and the difficulties of trying to protect information while operating in a virtual business environment. As these changes bring new risks, the survey also examines how organizations are adapting and addressing their information security needs. The results show that 60 percent perceive increased risk from the use of social networking, cloud computing and personal mobile devices at work.  Additionally, 64 percent of respondents see data protection as one of the top IT risks that has escalated in the current environment.

"Organizations are operating in a world that requires borderless security. The trend toward anywhere, anytime access to information has significantly changed today's business environment," says Bernie Wedge, Americas Information Technology Risk and Assurance practice leader at Ernst & Young LLP. "Information access by employees using mobile devices, or items that are maintained and accessed by customers, vendors or other business partners, are considered outside traditional borders. Therefore, companies must think about security beyond their employees, data centers and firewalls."

Additionally, businesses no longer view information security management programs as insurance policies to be used only in the event of a disaster.

"We hear from clients that 'it's all about the data.' We see a change in attitude among leading organizations who now view information security, including business continuity and resiliency systems, as part of an ongoing strategy that is vital to business operations and competitiveness," said Jose Granado, Ernst & Young LLP's Americas practice leader for Information Security Services. "In fact, 62 percent say that business continuity plans and capabilities are among their top five priorities for this year."

The proliferation of a mobile workforce has put employees on the front line of information security.  According to the survey, respondents view the most serious risk associated with mobile computing as the potential loss of business information; 52 percent see the use of personal devices as the main cause of data leakage.

In addition, 53 percent of respondents indicate that workforce mobility is a considerable challenge to delivering information security solutions effectively. The majority of respondents (92 percent) also view employee awareness of security as a challenge, as the demands of an increasingly mobile workforce change the way companies support and protect the flow of information.

"Most organizations recognize the increased risks associated with mobile computing and are taking steps to address these issues," Wedge said. "They are making policy adjustments, increasing security awareness activities and employee training, as well as implementing encryption techniques and identity and access management controls."

Overall, organizations recognize the risks that come with emerging technology trends and are taking steps to protect information with stronger information security programs. In fact, half of those surveyed plan to increase spending on data leakage/data loss prevention efforts over the next year.

But, while spending will increase to protect data, many organizations still feel pressured to reduce IT spend in other areas, leading them to look externally for efficient solutions. Despite an unproven track record, 45 percent of organizations are currently using, evaluating or planning to use cloud computing services within the next 12 months. The risks associated with cloud computing include data leakage, with 52 percent identifying it as the largest associated risk, followed by 39 percent who cite the lost visibility of company data as an increased risk of cloud-based solutions. 

However, most respondents (85 percent) indicate that external certification of cloud service providers would help to evaluate security controls and increase trust.

Evidence also suggests that few organizations have fully assessed the risks associated with social networking. Just one-third report that social media presents a considerable information security challenge and only 10 percent say examining new and emerging IT trends is a very important information security function.

The focus in information security is shifting from a technology-only approach to a technology and people approach, as information security becomes an expanded function of which all employees are aware of and have a responsibility to adhere to. Without clearly defined and communicated security policies on the use of new technology, organizations' exposure to risk will increase.

"The combination of more mobility, increased social access to information and outsourcing to the cloud requires a change in traditional information security paradigms," Granado said. "The 'outsiders are now the insiders,' meaning people and organizations outside the borders of the traditional corporate environment play a role in helping to achieve information security objectives, but can also pose a risk to protecting your information. A comprehensive IT risk management program must focus on people, processes and technology to address information throughout its life cycle, wherever it resides." 

The full report is available at http://www.ey.com/informationsecurity.

 

Featured

  • 12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    12 Commercial Crime Sites to Do Your Research

    Understanding crime statistics in your industry and area is crucial for making important decisions about your security budget. With so much information out there, how can you know which statistics to trust? Read Now

  • Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    Boosting Safety and Efficiency

    In alignment with the state of Mississippi’s mission of “Empowering Mississippi citizens to stay connected and engaged with their government,” Salient's CompleteView VMS is being installed throughout more than 150 state boards, commissions and agencies in order to ensure safety for thousands of constituents who access state services daily. Read Now

  • Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    Live From GSX: Post-Show Review

    This year’s Live From GSX program was a rousing success! Again, we’d like to thank our partners, and IPVideo, for working with us and letting us broadcast their solutions to the industry. You can follow our Live From GSX 2023 page to keep up with post-show developments and announcements. And if you’re interested in working with us in 2024, please don’t hesitate to ask about our Live From programs for ISC West in March or next year’s GSX. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • People Say the Funniest Things

    People Say the Funniest Things

    By all accounts, GSX version 2023 was completely successful. Apparently, there were plenty of mix-ups with the airlines and getting aircraft from the East Coast into Big D. I am all ears when I am in a gathering of people. You never know when a nugget of information might flip out. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • 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. 3

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols. 3

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings. 3