A recently published study by Gartner predicts that by 2018, half of all businesses will hire IT security contractors to manage data security threats. The prediction is based on the finding that spending on IT security has risen 7.9 percent, to $71.1 billion, since 2013 and is likely to grow another 8.2 percent, to $76.9 billion, in 2015.
Is cybersecurity a threat to cyber-privacy? Part 1
Notably, much of this increase comes from firms enlisting help from outside IT security contractors, meaning that growth opportunities are most significant for database administrators (DBAs) and network and security consultants.
The recent spate of highly publicized data breaches has led to increased awareness of data security threats.
Data security high on priority list of global firms, survey finds
“Businesses are waking up to the reality that data breaches are a serious threat to their bottom line,” Ted Devine, CEO of TechInsurance, said in a recent release. “But not everyone can afford a complete IT department or even a full-time IT employee. The solution a lot of businesses are discovering is working with service providers on a contract basis, which means big opportunities for small technology firms offering data security services.”
One other significant shirt noted by the Gartner study is a move in businesses toward seeking managed security services that offer breach response and risk reduction services. This shows that businesses are starting to get the message that data breaches are a matter of “when” not “if,” and are focusing on how to maintain operations after a breach occurs.