CXOs 'prioritising protection from malicious insider attacks'

2009-08-26

Chief executive officers (CXOs) are prioritising protection against malicious insider attacks over stopping more frequent and possibly more pernicious accidental insider security incidents, research has indicated.

In news that could concern those CXOs looking to prevent any IT intrusion incidents from occurring, a worldwide survey of IT decision makers undertaken by IDC and sponsored by RSA shows that over half (52 per cent) of respondents classed their insider threat incidents as mainly accidental.

Only 19 per cent reported that they thought the threats were deliberate, while three per cent remained unsure.

"Security is everyone's job, not just the job of the security team," commented Christopher Young, senior vice-president of RSA Products.

"Internal risks are growing and to remain competitive, CXOs must change the way they defend their business and expand security priorities," Mr Young added.

Brian Sears recently wrote for SearchSecurity.com that the main issue that firms fail to address when it comes to insider security threats is having clear and succinct policies in place.

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