Majority of CISOs (75%) are intent on allocating resources towards data security and integrity, in contrast to fewer than half (44%) of CIOs who view security as a top priority, according to data from The Network Group Events.

In the bustling world of digital transformation, a recent survey of attendees at the Digital Transformation Network event has shed light on some intriguing trends.

The survey reveals a concerning disparity between Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and their colleagues in information security regarding investment in security and data integrity. While 75% of information security professionals plan to invest in data security and integrity, less than half (44%) of CIOs or CDOs see security as a priority.

This oversight could prove costly, as the digitization of businesses creates a range of security threats that CIOs must address. Cyber-attacks are on the rise, and it is particularly concerning that less than half of IT experts are planning to invest in security. CIOs must work closely with their information security colleagues to ensure the digitization of their business does not leave them open to a potentially catastrophic attack.

Interestingly, the survey also shows that CIOs and CDOs are keen on improving their mobile presence. A significant 61% are planning to invest in this area, indicating a focus on enhancing customer experience through digital means. This aligns with the fact that over half (59%) of CIOs/CDOs prioritize using digital to harness customer data through business intelligence and analytics.

Another key finding is the emphasis on a 'Cloud First' approach. Nearly half of IT experts are taking this approach and investing in cloud systems, with 73% planning to do so. This trend underscores the growing importance of cloud systems in the digital transformation landscape.

The decision to not prioritize new security investments more widely among CIOs and CDOs reflects the complexity of managing innovation, cost, evolving risks, and ongoing security refinement rather than an underestimation of the importance of security itself. CIOs are pressured to deliver measurable returns on technology investments, leading them to carefully prioritize spending on innovations like AI and cloud while managing budgets tightly.

Moreover, the growing threats from hybrid cloud, remote work, IoT, AI, and new technologies lead to increased challenges in security. CIOs and CDOs must integrate security with data governance and compliance within broader digital transformation efforts, making targeted security investment decisions more complex.

However, some firms improve security posture through strategic, incremental improvements such as frameworks, AI-powered threat detection, and process maturity (patch management, vulnerability management), which might not be recorded as large new investments but as ongoing evolutions.

In conclusion, while the survey highlights a disparity in the prioritization of security, it also underscores the importance of balancing innovation, customer experience, and security in the digital transformation journey. The Digital Transformation Network event, which took place between 19-20 June 2017, provided a platform for discussions on these very topics, aiming to guide businesses towards a secure and successful digital future.

[1] Balancing innovation with cost control [2] Complex and evolving security landscape [3] Strategic, incremental security improvements [4] Focus on AI and data governance needs [5] Source: Various reports and studies on digital transformation and cybersecurity trends.

Despite the concerns about security disparities, many CIOs and CDOs are focusing on improving their mobile presence (ffnews.com) and enhancing customer experience through digital means (business).
As technology advances, an increasing number of CIOs and CDOs are adopting a 'Cloud First' approach, investing in cloud systems for their businesses (technology), while also addressing the complex and evolving security landscape.

Majority of CISOs (75%) are intent on allocating resources towards data security and integrity, in contrast to fewer than half (44%) of CIOs who view security as a top priority, according to data from The Network Group Events.