Dell Survey: Enterprises Grapple to Adopt Data Security Without Harming Other Business Initiatives
Despite data security becoming a priority for management, many businesses are still struggling to incorporate it effectively into their organization.
Only one in four decision makers are very confident in their C-Suite's ability to budget enough for data security solutions over the next five years.
Although C-Suite executives recognize the benefits of data security, organizations continue to struggle with implementing programs that effectively incorporate security strategies without detracting from other business initiatives, Dell reported this week.
Despite having deployed tools that address data security needs, business and IT decision makers report gaps in their comfort level with implementing or expanding data security programs that rely on these technologies, according to Dell’s first Data Security Survey. Moreover, the survey found that security concerns are limiting the adoption of cloud and mobility solutions throughout organizations.
The survey found that 82% of IT and business decision makers have attempted to limit data access locations for employees in an attempt to improve security. Also, despite having protections in place, 73% of respondents are still concerned about malware and advanced persistent threats.
Cost is also a concern when it comes to building on existing efforts, with 53% of respondents citing cost constraints as a reason why they don’t anticipate adding additional security features in the future. In addition only one in four respondents are very confident in their C-Suite’s ability to budget enough for data security solutions over the next five years.
“These findings suggest that the C-level has to be more engaged when it comes to integrating data security strategies into their business,” Steve Lalla, vice president, Commercial Client Software and Solutions, Dell, states in a press release. “Business leaders understand the need to invest in their security infrastructure, but that isn’t translating into updating or expanding their current systems to adequately prevent modern attacks”.
The report also highlights a lack of talent, with 58% of decision makers believing that their organization is adversely affected by a shortage of trained security professionals in the industry. Most decision makers (69%) still view data security as a burden on their time and budget. Yet 49% of respondents believe they will need to spend more time securing their data in the next five years than they are today. Further, 76% also believe their solutions would be less burdensome if provided through a single vendor.
Only one in five respondents to the survey claimed to be very confident in their ability to protect against sophisticated malware attacks. Spear phishing is the most feared type of attack with 73% of respondents concerned about it.
“The fact that IT and business decision makers are not confident in their anti-malware defense implies that they may be using outdated or ineffective tools,” says Brett Hansen, executive director, Data Security Solutions for Dell. “When IT teams do not have the resources they need to proactively prevent threats and stay on top of the evolving threat landscape, they are forced to play defense using threat detection and remediation alone.”
You can download a copy of the full report here. View this slideshow for a quick overview of some of the key findings.
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About the Author
Rodney Bosch, Senior Editor
Although Bosch’s name is quite familiar to those in the security industry, his previous experience has been in daily newspaper journalism. Prior to joining SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION in 2006, he spent 15 years with the Los Angeles Times, where he performed a wide assortment of editorial responsibilities, including feature and metro department assignments as well as content producing for latimes.com. Bosch is a graduate of California State University, Fresno with a degree in Mass Communication & Journalism. In 2007, he successfully completed the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association’s National Training School coursework to become a Certified Level I Alarm Technician.
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