Into the Cloud, Out of the Fog

Overview

Ernst & Young’s 2011 Global Information Security Survey.

The Ernst & Young Global Information Security Survey is one of the longest-running, most recognised and respected annual surveys of its kind. For 14 years, our survey has helped our clients focus on the most critical risks, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and improve their information security.

Our survey is not just another online poll that anyone can access. We invite CIOs, CISOs, CFOs, CEOs and other information security executives to participate. This year, we received feedback from nearly 1,700 participants in 52 countries and across all industry sectors. The increased level of participation in our 2011 survey demonstrates that information security is still one of the most important issues facing organisations today.

The environment is one of unprecedented change, with many new business paradigms supported by new technologies. We see more and more traditional and non-traditional businesses moving not only information but also entire business models into the "cloud" - extending the virtual business with increased use of mobile computing, social media and shared computing infrastructures and services. But these new technologies do not come without risks - this survey report should serve as a wake-up call for those organisations that have yet to recognise and address the associated risks.

Many of our survey participants revealed that their information security budgets are increasing. However, they also revealed a growing gap between their business needs and what information security is doing for their organisations. It is clear that there is still much more that can be done to protect information and manage information risk. We suggest it is time to get back to basics and define a clear information security strategy and improvement agenda to help information security out of the fog.