Firms that put security first 'more successful'

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Ellie Donnelly

Organisations that embed cyber security into their digital initiatives are more successful, according to a survey by consulting group PwC.

Such initiatives can range from basic internal email systems to the use of cloud technology.

The survey of more than 3,000 executives and technology professionals worldwide, including in Ireland, found the top 25pc of respondents - market leaders - are not just leading the way on cyber security, but also delivering better value and business results.

Among respondents for whom growing revenue is the top value sought from digital transformation, nearly nine in 10 leaders say they are getting a payoff that meets or exceeds their expectations, compared with two-thirds of all other respondents.

Leaders are also "significantly" more optimistic about the potential for growth in turnover and profits for their companies.

Pat Moran, partner at PwC Ireland, said: "By focusing on building digital trust, market leaders are driving more proactive, pre-emptive and responsive actions to embed these strategies into the business, as opposed to their peers who primarily look to minimise the operational impacts of cyber threats in reactive manner."

PwC’s Pat Moran says digital trust is vital for business

Elsewhere, the survey revealed key demographic information about the market leaders, with many representing large companies.

The main behaviours setting them apart from their peers include aligning their business and cyber security strategies, managing the risks built into in their company's business transformation or digital initiatives, and coordinating the teams that manage risk.