Computerworld's Post-9/11 Survey Raises Concerns About IT Spending for Security and Disaster Recovery.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 5, 2002

Survey of 2,620 IT Professionals Highlights

Alarming Lack of Resources and Budget Dollars

Results of an original survey released by IDG's Computerworld today offer a worrisome glimpse inside corporate data security and disaster preparedness in the year since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Responding to an online survey, more than 2,600 IT professionals and managers who visited Computerworld.com said that while security and disaster readiness are indeed chief concerns for IT departments across the county, many companies still have not committed the proper resources needed.

Full results of the poll will be disclosed in the September 9 print edition of Computerworld and on Computerworld.com.

Despite a steady drumbeat of concern about IT security, the Computerworld survey showed that 41 percent of companies have not undertaken new IT projects to improve disaster preparedness or recovery operations. Furthermore, 53 percent of the respondents said their budgets for security and disaster preparedness had not increased during the past 12 months.

"It's alarming to see that such a large number of companies have done so little to increase funding for and protection of vital corporate data to assure business continuance after any kind of disaster," said Maryfran Johnson, editor in chief of Computerworld. "We keep hearing that security is a number one concern for CEOs today. But without the necessary resources, it's a lot of talk but little action."

At companies where IT spending for security and disaster readiness had increased, the survey found that most have funded those endeavors out of existing IT budgets. The following arenas topped security spending among respondents:

1) Data security -- 26 percent

2) Data back-up -- 25 percent

3) Internet security -- 20 percent

4) Physical security -- 19 percent

5) Virus detection software -- 16 percent

The smallest spending categories were in biometrics (2.4 percent) and authentication technologies (10 percent). A majority of the survey respondents (53 percent) noted that their companies had not taken any action to integrate physical security with IT operations for additional protection of employees.

To speak with Computerworld's editor in chief further about the survey and the state of corporate security and disaster preparedness, or to view the full results of the survey, please contact Iain Pollock at [phone] or at [e-mail].

About Computerworld

Computerworld is the only integrated media company focused exclusively on the information needs of IT Leaders -- those who manage and implement technology in Global 2000 organizations. The company's flagship weekly newspaper -- along with its Computerworld.com Web site and conference series for IT Leaders -- form the U.S.-based hub of the world's largest (58-edition) worldwide IT media network. Publishing since 1967, Computerworld has been recognized numerous times by Folio: Magazine and the Computer Press Association as the best computer newspaper, and was named to the "Media Power 50" in 2002 by Crain Communications' BtoB Magazine. Winner of more than 70 print and online editorial awards since 1998, Computerworld has a newspaper circulation of 202,000, a total print audience of 1,539,000 (according to IntelliQuest CIMS v.8.0), and an online audience of 800,000 unique monthly visitors (according to DoubleClick). Breaking news and resources for IT Leaders are available at www.computerworld.com.

Computerworld is a business unit of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers and offers online users the largest network of technology-specific sites around the world through IDG.net (www.idg.net), which comprises more than 330 targeted Web sites in 80 countries. IDG is also a leading producer of 168 computer-related events worldwide, and IDG's research company, IDC, provides global market intelligence and advice through 51 offices in 43 countries. Company information is available at www.idg.com.