© Copyright Acquisition International 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

Article Image - Surge in IT Security Measures Anticipated in 2015
Posted 24th February 2015

Surge in IT Security Measures Anticipated in 2015

Survey shows employee training is a top priority for CIOs in protecting company information

Mouse Scroll AnimationScroll to keep reading

Let us help promote your business to a wider following.

Surge in IT Security Measures Anticipated in 2015
Image

Surge in IT Security Measures Anticipated in 2015

Survey shows employee training is a top priority for CIOs in protecting company information

Chief information officers (CIOs) are taking a multipronged approach to protecting sensitive company information, a new survey from Robert Half Technology shows. The majority of CIOs interviewed are currently taking or planning to take steps in the next 12 months to improve information technology (IT) security at their firms. The most common strategies include beefing up employee training on security issues (54 percent), vetting firms that have access to company data more closely (45 percent) and hiring more IT security professionals (41 percent).

The survey was developed and conducted by Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis, and includes responses from more than 2,400 CIOs from U.S. companies with 100 or more employees in 24 metropolitan areas.

CIOs were asked, “Which, if any, of the following measures is your company currently taking or planning to take within the next 12 months to enhance IT security?” Their responses:*

  • Currently taking or planning to take ANY of the following measures- 85%
  • Enhance employee training on security issues- 54%
  • Enhance vetting of firms with access to company data- 45%
  • Add IT security personnel- 41%
  • Implement multifactor authentication processes- 41%
  • Contract with third-party vendors or add tools to enhance security- 41%
  • Currently taking other measures- 1%
  • Not currently taking or planning to take any of the measures identified- 15%

* Multiple responses were allowed.

“We live in an era where information security threats are a real business risk,” said John Reed, senior executive director of Robert Half Technology. “CIOs are attacking the problem from all sides, but there is a strong emphasis on employee-driven measures. Vigilant IT teams and security-savvy individuals throughout the organisation are a valuable and fundamental defense; without both, other courses of action will be less effective.”

A strong organisational communications plan and sound relationships with vendors will help improve security measures, but it all begins with the team responsible for managing those efforts.

Robert Half Technology offers the top three attributes of effective security employees and what to ask them when hiring:

  •  Future Focused – It’s important to ensure candidates will be an asset to your security efforts, bringing a broad range of experiences that will allow them to identify vulnerabilities in your network. Use this opportunity to discuss their use of proven methodologies, best practices and risk intelligence in previous roles and try to assess how they would apply them in your company. Ask candidates: “How would you create a security-conscious culture in our business?”
  • Security Certifications – A well-rounded security professional will not only take steps to protect the organisation, but also to stay ahead in the industry. With so many widely recognised certifications available — like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) and CompTIA certifications — it’s not uncommon for candidates to have these on their resumes. While certifications show an investment and commitment to growing their knowledge base, it’s important to assess applicants’ real-world experience, too. Ask candidates: “How have your security certifications prepared you for this role?”
  • Soft Skills – IT security professionals should have impeccable communication skills. Externally, they should be building solid relationships with firms and vendors that have access to company data or may be brought on to help with security efforts. Internally, they should be able to raise awareness to potential threats and explain security measures in a way that will help guide employee behaviors. The prevalence of bring your own device (BYOD) policies, for example, is just one of the many trends that make clear communication skills vital to ensuring companywide compliance. It’s essential for security team members to build partnerships across the organisation to help increase vigilance throughout. Ask candidates: “What would be your communications approach around security, potential threats and best practices to senior leadership and employees companywide?”

Added Reed, “Successful organisations always start with good people, and talented security professionals are no exception. An effective security team will be able to institute processes, establish policies and ensure best practices are in use, resulting in the utmost safety for the business.”

Categories: Strategy


You Might Also Like
Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
American Express Survey Reveals UK Businesses Are Maintaining a Prudent Approach to Business Growth
Finance
02/03/2015American Express Survey Reveals UK Businesses Are Maintaining a Prudent Approach to Business Growth

Caution typified by the recession era still prevails, says American Express

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Business Insurance and the Essential Coverage Types
News
27/10/2021Business Insurance and the Essential Coverage Types

General liability coverage is required for everyone. If you own a small business, it's your livelihood and should be well protected. You must purchase beyond required workers' compensation and general liability to ensure that you are fully protected against al

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
7 Factors to Consider Before Launching a New Marketing Campaign
News
08/11/20217 Factors to Consider Before Launching a New Marketing Campaign

A marketing campaign is vital for any business to reach out to potential clients and gain leads. Creating one from scratch could be a daunting task. If it's your first attempt at creating a marketing campaign for your business, there are several considerations

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Nordic Capital Acquires RESMAN
Finance
01/04/2015Nordic Capital Acquires RESMAN

Nordic Capital acquire RESMAN

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
5 Questions To Ask Before Putting AI Into Practice And A Checklist For Success
Innovation
03/01/20205 Questions To Ask Before Putting AI Into Practice And A Checklist For Success

Despite the power of Artificial Intelligence to transform the customer experience, many AI projects fail at the first hurdle. Henry Jinman at EBI.AI outlines the 5 most common mistakes and how to avoid them using a tried and tested checklist.

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
The Mexican Law Firm with International Repute
Legal
06/05/2022The Mexican Law Firm with International Repute

Bryan, Gonzalez Vargas & Gonzalez Baz, the ‘Leading M&A and Corporate Restructuring Law Firm of the Year’ for Mexico, has secured itself as a cornerstone law firm for the country in which it operates.

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Dräger Acquire GasSecure for NOK500m
Finance
Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
AI To the Rescue: First Aid for Busy Contact Centres in Local Government
Innovation
24/08/2020AI To the Rescue: First Aid for Busy Contact Centres in Local Government

Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) really deflect calls away from the contact centre? This is the question many local government organisations are asking as they strive to serve the community at reduced cost.

Read Full PostRead - Eye Icon
Silver Bay Realty Trust Buys 2,373 Properties in USD 252.2m Deal
M&A
22/04/2015Silver Bay Realty Trust Buys 2,373 Properties in USD 252.2m Deal

US-based residential and commercial title and escrow services OS National, LLC served as the lead title agent for Silver Bay Realty Trust Corp's recent acquisition of a portfolio of 2300+ properties located in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina and So



Our Trusted Brands

Acquisition International is a flagship brand of AI Global Media. AI Global Media is a B2B enterprise and are committed to creating engaging content allowing businesses to market their services to a larger global audience. We have a number of unique brands, each of which serves a specific industry or region. Each brand covers the latest news in its sector and publishes a digital magazine and newsletter which is read by a global audience.

Arrow