Regulatory compliance, internal attacks and the vulnerability of electronic communications - especially instant messaging and e-mail - are among the key factors reshaping data security systems, according to the US results of the eighth annual Global Information Security Survey by InformationWeek Magazine and Accenture.
At the same time, the US Information Security Survey uncovered indications that companies and organisations are failing to provide rigorous protection of customer and client data.
The survey, which was conducted over the Internet recently, received responses from more than 2 500 US IT and security professionals.
"Companies are taking a more structured approach to information security and making it more of a priority," said Alastair MacWillson, partner in charge of Accenture`s security practice.
"Many companies are beginning to see the benefits in leveraging new technologies to proactively assess and manage threats and vulnerabilities, and are consolidating, integrating and securing applications to improve integrity and productivity."
The study found the majority of US companies spend below $500 000 on security annually, with half anticipating increased spending in 2005 over the previous year, and only 3% expecting spending to decline. Survey respondents said performance and return on investment count the most when purchasing security products.
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