Survey Finds CEOs Underestimate Data Security Risks

A recent story from ComputerWorld.com revealed that Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) appear to underestimate the data security risks their own organizations face while lower-level executives are more likely to fear attacks on corporate data.

According to a survey conducted on more than 200 CEOs, Chief Information Officers (CIOs), Chief Operating Officers (COOs), and other senior executives by the Poneman Institute, a noticeable difference on opinions exists between CEOs and other senior managers concerning data security issues.

Nearly half (48 percent) of CEOs surveyed said they believed hackers rarely tried to access corporate data, while more than half (53 percent) of other executives believed that data security was an ongoing daily – even hourly – battle.

In addition, the survey found that while CEOs were less aware of specific data security incidents than other executives, they were more confident that data security breaches could be avoided. Another difference uncovered was that CEOs viewed data security as vital to maintaining customer satisfaction and the company brand image, while the other managers believed that the most important role for data security was to satisfy regulatory requirements.

Lastly, the survey also showed some confusion between CEOs and other top managers in their opinion of who was responsible for data security. While eight out of 10 respondents said they believed there was only one person responsible for data security in their organization, 85% of respondents said "someone else" would be held accountable for a data security breach.

While differing opinions are normal in every company and even help in many instances, a critical issue like data security needs an agreed upon best practice strategy that includes the attention and expertise from all upper level executives.

Pre-Employ.com – a nationally recognized background check and Human Resources (HR) outsourcing provider – believes good data security equals good business. For more information on data security, please download our complimentary white paper – "Your Employee Data, How To Prevent Its Reselling and Offshoring" – visit www.pre-employ.com, email info@pre-employ.com, or call 1-800-300-1821. To follow Pre-Employ.com on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/PreEmploy.

tahearn@pre-employ.com

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