| Companies worry about the growing data security risk from remote workers and network ‘outsiders’
91 percent of the 381 UK and North American IT executives polled in the survey by AEP Networks admitted there is a bigger risk of sensitive data being exposed to ‘unauthorised eyes’ when networks are made accessible to remote workers and external users such as contractors, partners and customers. 89 percent highlighted the greater threat of malicious content such as viruses because of wider network accessibility and 85 percent noted the increased possibility of hacking. But this opening up of the network is fast becoming inevitable, with 97 percent agreeing that today’s networks are more accessible to a variety of internal and external users and devices than five years ago. 94 percent either already allow or plan to allow access to remote workers, while a large number already permit or plan to permit access to the following types of user: * Suppliers/partners (39 percent) The results illustrate the dilemma faced by many IT departments today as Reginald Best, chief operating officer of AEP Networks explained: “On the one hand, IT is rightly under pressure to open the network door to partners, suppliers and customers to improve efficiency and enhance business processes. On the flip-side, they’re sweating over how to prevent unauthorised access, protect company information and deflect malicious attacks.” With so many different types of user coming onto the network, many IT departments are addressing fears over increased security risks by investing in new technology. The major areas for IT security budget increases over the next 12 months include secure remote access, mentioned by 48 percent of the survey, network access control (41 percent), identity-based network security solutions (37 percent) and encryption (35 percent).
•Date: 18th March 2008• Region: US/UK •Type: Article •Topic: ISM
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