Utimaco, a data security company, has issued a report detailing leading economic, legislative, and technical trends that it believes will drive the IT security market in 2009. The findings follow a year in which there were a record number of data breaches in 2008 and more than 22 million records compromised.
Utimaco predicts that despite advanced technologies, in-depth solutions, and increased regulations, protecting intellectual property and critical data will remain a major issue in 2009. As the new year unfolded, Utimaco's Chief Product Officer Malte Pollmann has identified several key security trends that will become-and remain-paramount to IT and security managers including:
1) New technologies like cloud computing, virtualization, and software-as-a-service will demand stronger security.
In 2008, adoption of cloud computing, virtualization and SaaS drove the sharing of corporate data in never-before-seen ways, resulting in both the immediate exchange of information and increased vulnerabilities for companies. While businesses will continue to reap the business benefits of cloud computing and SaaS in 2009, more powerful encryption policies and technologies will be necessary to safeguard data wherever it may reside.
2) Expanded data security legislation will drive need for encryption.
Although data breach disclosure legislation has been in place in many states for some time, 2009 will usher in a new wave of legislation that will forever change the way an organization handles customer and employee information, intellectual property, and other sensitive data. This year saw the passing of aggressive data protection legislation by Nevada and Massachusetts and as we move forward in 2009, other states are sure to follow with similar encryption mandates. And, organizations of all sizes, from all industries, will be forced to take notice. In fact, as recently as last week, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission warned executives at registered financial services firms that they must maintain their compliance programs despite undertaking cost-cutting measures and cutbacks and should not expose investors, employees and management to unacceptable risks.
3) Identity theft will continue to adversely affect customer loyalty.
Every time customers' personal information is put at risk, loyalty is jeopardized. The loyalty of customers is directly linked to companies' abilities to safeguard their information. In the year ahead, companies must assure their customers that proper, thorough security measures have been taken so that the risk of a breach is minimal.
4) Hard disk encryption will become more accessible for small and medium enterprises.
Gone are the days of handling multiple vendors, operating various solutions, and struggling to manage and budget for all IT security needs. Through better integration, product simplification, and SaaS, 2009 will provide smaller enterprises easier access to hard-disk encryption software. 2009 will usher in a wave of bundled solutions for the mid-market that will address hard-disk encryption, antivirus, encryption and DLP needs.
5) IT security investments will provide return-especially in the downturn.
Mounting job losses in 2009 will place data at risk if the devices of departing employees are not properly encrypted. Economic downturns frequently lead to disgruntled employees potentially leaving with data, competitive espionage, and increased liability claims. As a result, the security spending that was once considered discretionary will not only become necessary, but also a smart, worthwhile investment.
"As we look ahead to 2009 we're eager to continue protecting our customers against a number of threats that can negatively impact their business," said Pollman. "Utimaco will remain at the forefront, helping customers best leverage people and technology to safeguard their organizations."
To underscore these 2009 trends, Utimaco will be conducting a Regulation Readiness Survey of global organizations and IT security managers. The survey can be accessed by visiting
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=OB0OSzxGPnfPAw11BakA2w_3d_3d
About Utimaco Safeware AG--The Data Security Company
Celebrating 25 years in business, Utimaco is a leading global provider of data security solutions, enabling mid- to large-size organizations to safeguard their data assets against intentional or accidental data loss, and to comply with privacy laws. Utimaco's complete range of data security solutions provide full 360 degree data protection for data at rest, data in motion, and data in use. Utimaco offers its customers comprehensive on-site support via a world-wide network of certified partners and subsidiaries. Utimaco Safeware AG, with headquarters in Oberursel, near Frankfurt, Germany, is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN DE0007572406). For more information visit http://www.utimaco.com/.
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