InformationWeek

Global Information Security Research Lead by InformationWeek and Accenture

InformationWeek/Accenture Global Security Survey Finds Business Technology Professionals Empowered by Steps to Ward off Threats, but Recognize There is Far More to Accomplish

Fear of data security breaches continue to vex technology executives from around the globe, even though many acknowledge making significant progress in preventing malicious attacks over the last year, according to the 2006 Global Information Security Survey.

The survey, conducted by InformationWeek and Accenture uncovered indications that companies and organizations are failing to provide rigorous protection of customer and client data. The survey, in its 9th year, received responses from more nearly 2,200 global business technology and security professionals via the Web this summer.

Key information security resources include:

• InformationWeek Global Security Survey 2006: Controlled Chaos



• Research Report



• Tool: 2006 Compare Your Security Practices



• InformationWeek Download: Security & Privacy



• informationweek.com/security

---

This week's cover story package examines the survey results, along with other trends and issues, to provide an in-depth look at the state of security today.

• Outsourcers Fill Businesses' Security Gaps
  One-quarter of U.S. companies surveyed in InformationWeek Research's Global Security Survey 2006 outsource at least some of their security functions to managed services.



• Built-In Software Security Flaws Have Companies Up In Arms
  More than half of those responding to InformationWeek Research's Global Security Survey 2006 say vendors should be held legally or financially responsible for products' security vulnerabilities.



• Global Differences
  Basic aspects of IT security may hold true everywhere, but there are differences in China, Europe, India, and the United States when it comes to protecting business data and systems.



• The Fear Industry
  Shameless self-promoters? Fear mongerers? Sure, security researchers aren't always model citizens, but business technology pros want them on the job.



• Sidebar: 10 Infamous Moments In Security Research



• Sidebar: Avoid Alert Overload
  When does too much information become an impediment to decision making? The key to knowing which security alerts to pay attention to is knowing your IT environment.



• Video: Larry Greenemeier talks about the love-hate relationship with security researchers



• Security's Shaky State
  When it comes to security, most IT departments are underfunded, understaffed, and underrepresented, IT security pros say.