Jillian Levick
Senior PR and Communications Manager
Robert Half Canada Inc.,
181 Bay Street, Suite 820,
Toronto, ON
M5J 2T3
www.roberthalf.ca
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Read about our latest research, including results from our ongoing surveys of senior managers and workers, and company announcements.
In Matters of Security, Companies Confident but Budgets Come Up Short
TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - As the prevalence of data breaches continues to grow, many companies are enhancing their IT security efforts, but where do Canadian technology leaders see themselves on the data safety scale? A recent survey from Robert Half Technology of CIOs found that 11 per cent believe they are better equipped to respond to a security breach than other companies in their industry, while 71 per cent feel equally prepared and only 7 per cent feel less well-equipped than their competitors. While confidence is not lacking, budgets may be, as more than one-quarter of CIOs surveyed don't feel they have sufficient budgets to keep their organization's information safe.
"As technology continues to evolve within the workplace so do security threats, and as a result, IT leaders are implementing strategies to access and recruit professionals with skills strong enough to address complex security challenges," said Deborah Bottineau, senior regional manager of Robert Half Technology.
CIOs were asked, "Compared to other companies in your industry, do you feel you are more or less well-equipped to respond to a security breach? " Their responses:
|
About the same |
71% |
|
More well-equipped |
11% |
|
Less well-equipped |
7% |
|
Don't know/No answer |
12% |
|
Total |
101%* |
*Does not total 100 per cent due to rounding.
CIOs were also asked, "Do you feel your security budget is ample enough to keep your organization's data safe?" They said:
|
Yes |
74% |
|
No |
26% |
|
Total |
100% |
Mitigating the very real risks inherent in using business technology requires more than a strong IT team, added Bottineau. "Leaders must provide employees with regular learning opportunities for new software and updates on best practices, because ultimately a well-informed workforce is the company's best defence against outside threats."
The survey also went on to explore what businesses are doing to educate employees on best practices for preventing breaches. CIOs said one of the most common ways they raise awareness among employees is to conduct regular employee presentations on security best practices. Using gamification or incentives to encourage staff members to follow proper IT protocols was the second most popular response.
CIOs were also asked, "Which of the following are approaches your firm uses to educate employees on best practices for data security?" Their responses:
|
Conduct regular presentations on security best practices |
50% |
|
Using gamification or incentives to enhance and encourage employee education |
40% |
|
Mock phishing exercises to test employee knowledge |
21% |
|
None of these |
31% |
*Multiple responses permitted
About the Survey
The survey was developed and conducted by Robert Half Technology and includes responses from more than 270 CIOs in Canada.
About Robert Half Technology
With 120 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at roberthalf.ca/technology. Follow blog.roberthalf.ca, and @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter for additional workplace advice and hiring trends.
Contact: Naz Araghian
416.865.2140
naz.araghian@roberthalf.com
SOURCE Robert Half Technology
Image with caption: "CIOs are confident about IT security at their company. (CNW Group/Robert Half Technology)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160915_C6724_PHOTO_EN_773318.jpg
