Australian firms report computer security lapse

SYDNEY - According to a recent survey by the International Data Corporation (IDC), more than 35 percent of Australian IT departments have experienced severe security infringements such as illegal access to corporate resources.

The survey also revealed that internal staff illegally performed 56 percent of all security breaches discovered.

IT managers must therefore not only focus on protecting their systems from external attacks stated

Natasha David, IDC's Senior Analyst, said that businesses are susceptible to having undesired parties tamper and misuse their corporate data and resources. IT managers must do more than protecting their systems from external attacks stated.

David added that Australian enterprises are aware of the danger of not having the appropriate security technologies in place to strengthen their corporate infrastructures. As such, IT managers are making security technologies a component of their overall strategic IT investments.

Companies could easily become a victim of cyber-crime if they had no security in place or if their security comprised of a piecemeal approach. This would cause brand depreciation and a direct impact on the company's bottom line.