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Information Security Breaches Survey

October 2002

Survey by PwC and the DTI reveals security incidents cost businesses billions of euros in the last year. Information security has increased in priority over the past year - however roughly half of all businesses surveyed have had at least one malicious security incident in the last year.

The survey "Information Security Breaches 2002" has been sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry in the UK and managed by PwC. The survey revealed that information security has increased in priority over the last two years and many businesses have made significant improvements in their security controls. However, the threats have increased substantially, and roughly half of all UK businesses have had at least one malicious security incident in the last year. Investment in information security is still low, and, looking forward, there is an urgent need for action now.

Key findings from the survey are:

1. 44% of UK businesses have suffered at least one malicious security breach in the past year, nearly twice as many as in 2000.

2. The average cost of a serious security incident was nearly 50,000 euros. Several businesses had incidents that cost more than 600,000 euros.

3. Based on the survey it is reasonable to expect that security incidents cost UK business several billion euros during 2001.

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