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Reliance on IT Security Services on the Rise

IT security services Reliance on IT Security Services on the Rise The growing volume and complexity of cyber-attacks appears finally to be pushing more organizations to rely on external IT security expertise. Number of Serious Cyber-attacks Just over a third (37%) of respondents from companies of all sizes report knowing their organization was a victim […]

Written By

Michael Vizard

Oct 19, 2016

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IT security services

Reliance on IT Security Services on the Rise

The growing volume and complexity of cyber-attacks appears finally to be pushing more organizations to rely on external IT security expertise.

Number of Serious Cyber-attacks

Just over a third (37%) of respondents from companies of all sizes report knowing their organization was a victim of a serious cyber-attack in the last five years. For organizations that generate more than $500 million in revenue, that number is 43%.

Probability of Serious Attack in Next 3 Years

Just under half (49%) think they will be hit by a serious cyber-attack in the next three years. Another 25% said it’s very likely. Another 23% said it is unlikely.

IT Security Posture

Just under half (48%) say they have a clear chain of command for reporting and responding to IT security incursions. Another 40% say they somewhat agree they have one.

Reliance on Third-Party Security Expertise

Just over a third (35%) say they rely on third parties to manage all or most of their IT security operations. Another 27% say they use commercial software they manage themselves, while 17% say they have developed their own tools in-house. Another 20% say they use all three approaches.

Greatest IT Security Vulnerabilities

Telecommunications carriers and internet service providers (ISPs) are seen as the most vulnerable (33%), followed closely by financial networks (27%).

Highest IT Security Priorities

Just under a third (30%) ranked increasing their companies’ security budgets as the highest priority. Another 25% identified clear organization policies, followed by 18% citing the need for clearer government policies.

The Perils of Big Data and IoT

A full 80% either agree or somewhat agree that big data and the internet of things will wind up making their organizations more vulnerable to serious cyber-attacks.

IT Security Responsibility for Critical Infrastructure

Nearly nine in 10 (88%) say their local municipality needs to be more alert to potential IT security issues, with 36% identifying CXOs of infrastructure services as being the individuals that should be held most accountable.

Michael Vizard

Michael Vizard is a seasoned IT journalist, with nearly 30 years of experience writing and editing about enterprise IT issues. He is a writer for publications including Programmableweb, IT Business Edge, CIOinsight, Channel Insider and UBM Tech. He formerly was editorial director for Ziff-Davis Enterprise, where he launched the company’s custom content division, and has also served as editor in chief for CRN and InfoWorld. He also has held editorial positions at PC Week, Computerworld and Digital Review.

Reliance on IT Security Services on the Rise

Michael Vizard

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