Proofpoint, a leading cybersecurity and compliance company, has unveiled the findings of its survey of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Chief Security Officers (CSOs) based in the UK and Ireland, assessing their level of cyber preparedness. The survey revealed that more than half (53%) of CISOs and CSOs in the UK&I reported that their organisation suffered at least one significant cyberattack in 2020, with 14%experiencing multiple attacks.
This trend is not set to slow down, with almost two thirds (64%) expressing concern that their organisation is at risk of an attack in 2021. Those in larger organisations feel at greater threat, with this figure jumping to 89% amongst CSOs and CISOs from organisations over 2,500 employees and 83% from those with 5,000 employees or more. Perhaps more worryingly, over a quarter (28%) of respondents believe an attack in 2021 is unlikely a cause for concern.
“It’s encouraging that the majority of IT leaders are showing awareness of the risks and challenges they face,” said Andrew Rose, Resident CISO (EMEA) at Proofpoint. “A people-centric strategy is a must for organisations, and that starts with identifying the most vulnerable users and ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and the tools to defend themselves and the business.”