Cyber security moving up companies' lists of priorities and into boardroom, says BT

Survey: BT's Paul Murnaghan

By Staff Reporter

Cyber security has made it out of the IT department and into the boardroom as a pressing issue for local companies, according to a survey.

BT Business in Northern Ireland said firms were increasing their investment in cyber security after high-profile attacks worldwide such as the WannaCry ransomware attack on NHS systems in May.

Firms told BT they were spending more on security technology, tools and resources, including staff awareness.

They added cyber security was being discussed at board level rather than just being regarded as an IT problem. Some are also turning to third parties to protect their businesses, while others are developing in-house security expertise.

Paul Murnaghan, regional director for BT Business in Northern Ireland, said companies needed to be fully prepared.

"As this survey shows, both the public and private sector face big challenges, not least the constantly evolving cyber security threat. For some, even if it is readily available, there is a lack of trained cyber security expertise to manage and deal with that threat.

"Understandably, not every firm can afford to have this in-house, but that's where BT can help.

"As a leader and innovator in security, BT has the scale, expertise and reach that can provide local business and organisations with the support to meet the challenge of the ever-evolving security threat."