IT and Finance don’t always agree on the importance of security and how much the organization should spend on it. But a new survey shows more companies are recognizing a return on their IT security investments. 

Companies are starting to see information security as not just a cost, but as a key practice and a worthwhile investment, according to a new survey from IT security firm Turnkey Consulting. That’s leading to more money being spent protecting data and a greater consideration for security when new IT systems are implemented.

Among the 108 IT pros surveyed, 44% said their organization views IT security as an essential business practice that can deliver a return on investment. An additional 38% said the company sees IT security investments as an insurance policy for company assets

Even more good news for IT: Companies are beginning to get the message that protecting data requires cooperation from the entire organization, including IT, Finance and other business leaders, and staff. Nearly two-thirds (64%) say company leadership views IT security as the responsibility of everyone in the organization, and not just the IT department. And 72% said security is one of the company’s top three concerns when an IT project is implemented.

IT security investments pay off

Of course, while those numbers are encouraging, it still leaves more than half of organizations that don’t see the business value in IT security and 33% that let the non-IT staff off the hook for keeping information secure.

If your business fits into that category, it may be helpful for business units and IT to communicate more so everyone can get on the same page regarding information security. Nearly (44%) of the IT pros surveyed say their organization faces greater risk than they did a year ago. And with the cost of data breaches rising, letting IT make sure all the proper controls are in place can pay off down the road.

Tags: investment, IT budget, IT security