77% of execs concerned about security tools gaps in their company

77% of Americans believe their company has gaps in its current security tools, according to Lynx Software survey findings.

500 Americans in managerial and executive roles were surveyed to find out their opinions on the security of their companies and industry as a whole. The results found that 89% are concerned about external security threats to their company, and nearly the same amount, 86%, are concerned about threats from inside.

“Now more than ever, it is incredibly important that employees feel like they can trust the security of their corporate networks,” said Arun Subbarao, VP of engineering and technology at Lynx Software.

“Remote and hybrid work models are here to stay, and organizations need to ensure not only that their corporate network infrastructure is secure, but also verify that every endpoint – from printers at HQ, to laptops and tablets in each employee’s home – are protected as well.”

Security risks concerns fueled by the pandemic

COVID-19 and virtual workplaces have raised concerns around cyber safety as revealed by a survey earlier this year, which found 69% of working Americans were more worried about cybersecurity risks during COVID-19 than they were before the pandemic.

The survey results indicate these concerns might be valid as 19% respondents said their company has become less secure since the onset of the pandemic, and 21% said corporate security has remained the same. Furthermore, 69% believe their company is ready to fend off an outside security threat.

This was revealed alongside the finding that only 10% of respondents did not believe hackers are a threat to their industry, citing the top three risks for companies in their industry were cyber-attack (61%), outdated technology (50%) and physical safety of the workforce (49%).

These issues are top of mind for employees as 27% said the security of their company crosses their mind while working at least once a week and 77% said they think employees at a more senior level than them are worried about the threats present in their industry. Yet, only 67% said their company has plans to significantly improve its security in the next 12 months.

While respondents indicated that their company has currently invested money in security (65%), remote workforce tools (56%) and Industry 4.0 advancements (44%), one in five said their company is not spending enough on security in the next year.

Additional findings

• Only 54% of respondents said they are very familiar with mission-critical security, but 70% say it is very important to their industry.
• 52% said edge computing can make their company’s security safer.
• Only 57% of respondents said their company has technology to recognize and mitigate zero day threats.