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IT Security Pros Unhappy
Doug Caverly
Staff Writer
2006-05-09
 Insider Reports RSS Feed
IT security professionals are feeling undervalued lately. According to a Dark Reader survey, 80 percent of security specialists received a raise of 10% or less last year, which represents somewhat less than the overall increase on IT spending of 15% (a figure supplied by the Robert Half International human resources research firm).
What's more, roughly 22% of IT security pros didn't receive any raise, and approximately 5% actually had their salaries cut.
Many believe that security technology is valued over human personnel. Claude Gigoux concedes, "Yes, companies are being stingy. They tend to look at technology as a quick fix, and this is not justified."
Others say that a slow economy is limiting raises, even if the department is receiving a budget increase.
Dave Bixler agrees, and goes on to say, "I also believe many security professionals are not asking for pay increases that large."
Security personnel are not remaining entirely quiet, though. 42% of the Dark Reader survey respondents chose an option that they believed their position is regarded "as a necessary evil, and users reluctantly do the things we tell them."
Almost half that number felt that they "are frequently ignored, and . . . companies are at risk because of it." These statements fly in the face of the claims companies typically make as to the value of their IT security.
It seems that, although both respect and budgets for IT security are growing, they have not yet reached a level with which the security professionals themselves feel comfortable.
And in a business that is by definition focused on technology, the pros see a need emphasize the continuing importance of the human component.
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About the Author:
Doug is a staff writer for SecurityProNews, InternetFinancialNews, SearchNewz, and WebProNews.
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