Is Your Company a Security Leader or Laggard?
Governance Matters
About 56% of cyber-security leaders surveyed have a sanctioned strategy in place and outsource core security operations. By contrast, 68% of laggards only use one or neither approach.
Metrics Count
Leaders are 18% more likely to have CISOs deploy metrics for evaluating security operations than laggards. They also are 23% more likely to deploy enterprise risk management procedures.
Focus on Compliance
Laggards are 50% more likely to have CISOs and security efforts focus on compliance with regulation and policies.
Alignment Is Critical
The study found that half of the leaders make information security a priority and align security and business objectives, while nearly 40% of static companies do neither.
Innovation Is Important
Leaders rated security innovation as vital to achieve strong security at 8.1 on a scale of 10. On the other hand, laggards rated it at 6.1.
Attitudes About Encryption
Leaders rated encryption in the cloud a 7.18 on a scale of 10 in terms of importance, while laggards rated it a 6.0.
Big Data at Risk
Leaders rated security protocols over big data a 6.33 on a scale of 10 in terms of importance, while laggards rated it a 4.94.
An Eye on Network Activity
Leaders rated the need to pinpoint anomalies in network traffic an 8.55 on a scale of 10 in terms of importance, while laggards rated it a 7.45.
Organizations Dial Into BYOD
Both leaders and laggards have an eye on BYOD. Leaders rated it 7.16 on a scale of 10, while laggards rated it a 7.76.
Left to Their Devices
Leaders rated the importance of limiting insecure devices a 6.03 on a scale of 10, while laggards weighed in with a 7.18.
Final Thoughts
“Three key areas are critical for security effectiveness: the existence of a defined strategy, effective use of technology and solid governance practices.”–Ryan LaSalle, Accenture Global Managing Director–Growth & Strategy, Security Services
Final Thought on Security
“CIOs should seek out security capabilities that enhance the user experience and productivity and improve their ability to counter advanced threats.”–Ryan LaSalle, Accenture
