IT managers complacent on security

A false sense of security within IT departments could be putting businesses at risk, according to research released this week.

Although 91 per cent of European IT managers believe they have good or complete IT security procedures in place, less than a third are actually safeguarding themselves against common internet threats, according to a report commissioned by web filtering firm Websense.

The survey of 500 European IT managers shows that only 30 per cent of firms have systems in place to block spyware, instant messaging, phishing sites and file sharing web sites.

And some 60 per cent of businesses are also failing to take precautions against potential information theft and hacking from within the organisation.

'Web security threats such as spyware and phishing scams escalate each week, as personal and business usage of the internet increases,' said Websense European vice president Geoff Haggart. 'Businesses can no longer rely on anti-virus software and firewalls.'

Some 71 per cent of IT managers are concerned about security breaches when corporate laptop and mobile devices are reconnected to the company network.

But only 21 per cent of companies have policies or products in place to ensure laptops remain safe when used outside the office.

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