IT pros grapple with security apps

In a worldwide survey of 1361 technology managers, more than half of respondents reported to have at least four applications to address security problems.

Nearly a quarter admitted to having 10 or more different applications, according to the survey results released by security firm NetIQ.

"IT professionals are finding it very stressful to deal with this proliferation of different security threats and the software packages that address them," said David Taylor, regional director of NetIQ Australia and New Zealand.

Ninety-eight IT professionals from Australia and New Zealand took part in the survey.

"More than 70 per cent of local respondents said they found security management a hassle. Some would rather fill out a tax return, have a fight with their spouse or get a root canal," Taylor said.

Nearly 85 percent of local IT professionals surveyed said it was important for them to have all their network and security systems managed from a single dashboard, NetIQ said in a statement.

Viruses, worms and hacking were the most common concerns for respondents. There was also widespread concern over issues such as unauthorised access by employees, spam, phishing and attacks based on known system vulnerabilities.

"IT professionals are most worried about loss of company or departmental reputation, as well as lost revenue and personal responsibility for system failures," said Taylor.