Concerns over security are derailing plans to adopt
collaboration solutions in over half of companies according to
a survey of information security professionals by Internet security
provider Webroot.
Yet despite this, the survey, encompassing the views of large
enterprises and small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), found
that a quarter will continue with collaboration plans, despite
security concerns. Only 15% of those surveyed said that they
had resolved their security issues and were pressing ahead with
collaboration plans while the remaining 10% did not have
collaboration plans.
Commented Gerhard Eschelbeck, Chief Technology Officer of
Webroot, “This survey shows us that
the majority of information security
professionals have concern for the security issues brought about by
collaboration. This is understandable, because although
productivity gains from collaborative working can be substantial,
it can leave organisations exposed.
"With the advent of interactive Web 2.0 technologies, malware
purveyors have more opportunities to insert their programs onto Web
sites and spread them to users worldwide. However, we advise
companies to embrace collaboration, but deal with security in
advance. ”
Paul Simmonds, Jericho Forum board member and Global IS
Integrated Assurance Director of AstraZeneca, added, “A quarter of
those surveyed will proceed with collaboration, despite security
concerns, which is a major indication that collaboration is a
prominent direction for business, even those who have not yet
addressed security. However, to collaborate securely requires a
supportive architecture…Without that foundational work in place,
many companies may choose to implement insecure solutions.”