Companies Expect Cyber-Attacks but Aren’t Prepared

Companies Expect Cyber-Attacks but Aren’t Prepared

Companies Expect Cyber-Attacks but Aren't PreparedCompanies Expect Cyber-Attacks but Aren’t Prepared

Most security leaders expect a cyber-attack to strike this year, but many of them are unprepared and struggling to keep pace with the threat environment.

Increase in Cyber-Attacks in 2016Increase in Cyber-Attacks in 2016

53% of the security leaders surveyed reported a year-over-year increase in cyber-attacks for 2016, but only 46% of the respondents have confidence in their cyber-defense teams.

Changing Threat Entry PointsChanging Threat Entry Points

IoT overtook mobile as a primary focus for cyber-defense, as 97% of organizations saw a rise in the use of networked devices. Cyber-security professionals need protocols to safeguard these new threat entry points.

Malicious AttacksMalicious Attacks

78% of the security leaders surveyed reported malicious attacks that impaired their operations or user data.

Ransomware ThrivesRansomware Thrives

62% of respondents reported ransomware attacks, but only 53% have a formal process to address them.

Security Controls Not Tested RoutinelySecurity Controls Not Tested Routinely

Only 31% of the security leaders surveyed said they routinely test their security controls, and 13% never test them. 16% do not have an incident response plan.

CISOs Struggle to Fill JobsCISOs Struggle to Fill Jobs

65% of respondents employ a CISO, up from 50% the prior year, but they continue to struggle to fill cyber-security jobs. Only 30% received at least 10 applicants for an open position, and less than half of them were qualified.

Meager Training BudgetsMeager Training Budgets

Though organizations understand that security training is critical to addressing skills gaps, 25% of surveyed companies have training budgets of less than $1,000 per security team member

Biggest Skills GapsBiggest Skills Gaps

Ability to understand the business: 52%
Technical skills: 25%
Communication Skills: 17%

Budgets Growth SlowsBudgets Growth Slows

50% of the security leaders surveyed expect budget increases this year, but that’s down from 61% last year.

Karen A. Frenkel
Karen A. Frenkel
Karen A. Frenkel is a contributor to CIO Insight. She covers cybersecurity topics such as digital transformation, vulnerabilities, phishing, malware, and information governance.

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