Over two thirds of business users would shy away from security controls for big deals

Some 69%  of business users would ignore security controls if it meant winning business, but 71% believe that security should be given equal, or even greater priority, when it comes to flexibility.

The results come from a European survey, carried out by security intelligence firm Balabit, which asked 381 auditors, CISOc, CIOs, IT executives, and other professionals in IT about their opinions on business flexibility and IT security.

Those surveyed came from UK, Germany, France and other European countries, and they were asked if they would risk a potential threat if a key deal was on the cards. More than two thirds confessed that they would give in to temptation and make the deal.

Balabit CEO Zoltán Györk? said the results prove that businesses are not where they should be when it comes to balancing business and security.

He added:

“They demonstrate that while security overload may be tolerated during normal business, when it comes to big deals the respondents would not hesitate to bypass security to win business. It is important that this is recognised as an issue and dealt with accordingly.”

Businesses are always on the lookout for a deal that could make a difference to their firm. However, when they are not educated in the importance of security, they may be making poor decisions. The best way to alleviate rash decisions, which could come with grave consequences, would be to open up IT security jobs to personnel. They would be in a position to advise users accordingly when faced with such a dilemma.