The Hindu Business Line : Info security is key concern for corporates: Study

INDICATING a high level of awareness on information security issues, as many as 82 per cent of customers of Indian IT companies were found to be more concerned about information security than ever before, according to a Nasscom-ITAA study.

"Security is a key concern. Close to 82 per cent of customers of Indian IT companies are more concerned about information security than ever before, while 76 per cent of customers of US IT companies are concerned about information security," as per the findings of Nasscom-ITAA (IT Association of America) Opinion Poll on information security market and customer perception.

It said that 75 per cent of customers of Indian IT companies and approximately 64 per cent customers of US companies realised that information security was a responsibility shared by vendor and customer alike rather than it being a primary responsibility of the vendor.

Security emerged as a key differentiator. About 75 per cent of Indian companies and 82 per cent of the US companies agree that sophisticated information security offerings and practices offer a competitive advantage.

"Information security practices are a critical selling point while marketing their products and services to global clients for 75 per cent of Indian companies and 64 per cent of US companies," the poll said.

The study also noted that the increase in budgetary allocation for information security in the last 12 months was 45 per cent for Indian customers and 41 per cent for US customers.

Majority of respondents in Indian and US companies were of the view that Government needed to do more in the information security space. "In India, the concern is around legislation and effective use of information security practices for e-governance and critical infrastructure protection," it said.

The poll was conducted across 95 Nasscom member companies and 20 ITAA member companies.