Enterprises Increasing Data Security Knowledge But Not Investing in Solutions

Many IT professionals and businesses consider malicious cyberattacks and accidental employee errors the most serious challenges in enterprise data protection, but a recent study revealed a different development.

According to a study by Unisphere Research, an independent peer-based market research firm, the most significant data security obstacle for companies is the organization itself, as protecting private information is often overlooked by IT departments, security teams and upper management.

"While it is evident from the survey's findings that awareness of the sophistication levels and threats of outside hackers has been heightened, enterprises continue to engage in lax database security," said Joe McKendrick, lead analyst at Unisphere Research. "Data security not only relies on good technology, but also effective and committed management."

The survey found that data security risks have expanded during the previous three years in 81 percent of organizations. Many of the 524 surveyed IT employees and data managers said that hackers are more sophisticated and targeted attacks are increasing.

While the majority of companies have increased their security efforts as a result of heightened knowledge regarding data breaches, hacktivism and other security threats, only 14 percent of respondents said their organization added funding for data security solutions. Meanwhile, only 11 percent of businesses have hired additional security staff or consulting support.

"As the adversaries show growing boldness and escalate their database attacks, organizations must improve communications and quickly come to agreement on how to address database security policies and procedures," said database security expert Thom VanHorn.

Businesses are dealing with a wider range of data security threats than ever before, as mobile devices, social media and other technologies have provided cybercriminals with more entry points and distributed company data across more platforms. According to a recent TechTarget study, enterprises are most concerned with social engineering and mobile threats this year, while improving email security is also a top priority.