IT security expenditure to increase

Spending on IT security will rise during the next year, according to a new study.

Analysis carried out by market research Forrester indicates 21 per cent of global firms intend to increase their IT security budgets in 2009, while around three-quarters expect to make cut-backs in their spending.

Khalid Kark , research principal analyst at the firm, said the IT security industry is currently undergoing a renaissance.

"This is an exciting time to be in security. We are in a period of immense change in which we have the opportunity to define the future of our profession," he added.

"Security and risk professionals are faced with a rapidly changing technology landscape and business environment."

Mr Kark remarked that security professionals should embrace new ideas in order to be successful in the modern industry.

Earlier this week, the Institute of Risk Management said whether a company needs to employ information security managers depends on the role data plays in an organisation and the size of the firm.