IT Security

Priority survey

by Mark Rowe

Despite high-profile data leaks and cyber attacks in 2017, IT security is still only considered a top priority by just over half (54pc) of European businesses. That’s according to research by business communications provider Fuze, released during the IP Expo Europe exhibition in London Docklands.

A survey of 6,600 workers and 900 IT staff found that Europe lags when it comes to prioritising IT security. According to the survey, 63pc of US companies see security as a primary concern, while 55pc of Australian businesses prioritise security within the IT department. Many of the security concerns raised by IT departments are being driven by unauthorised office technologies, with 40pc of office workers now using their personal mobiles for work purposes. Software and apps such as mobile messaging, video calling, IP voice, social media and photo sharing are also now being used without the IT department’s consent or approval, the survey suggested. This so-called “shadow IT” – were employees use technology outside of the control of corporate IT teams – has the potential to lead to serious security issues.

Comment

Michael Affronti, VP of Product at Fuze, said “There is a growing awareness of security in the communications sector. Forward-thinking businesses are realising that when it comes to their IT security ‘tried and tested’ will no longer cut it. Rather than simply looking to block potential security threats as they happen, today’s businesses must start to examine their existing processes, thinking about how everything from BYOD to application sprawl could be threatening their organisations in the long term.”

US-based Fuze is discussing its global study, “Breaking Barriers 2020: How CIOs are Shaping the Future of Work”, at IP Expo, on October 4 and 5. Visit www.fuze.com.

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