Study reveals security gap in big data projects

Ideally, the ultimate output of big-data analysis can provide a company with a valuable competitive advantage. But those results aren’t getting much additional security, according to an IDG Enterprise study of big-data initiatives.

Only 39% of survey respondents say their company is securing the output of big-data analysis with alternate or additional security measures, the study found. Some companies say the measures they use to secure the existing, raw data are adequate to protect the results of analysis, too.

The most popular approaches to securing big-data output are identity and access controls, and data encryption, the study found, adding that the use of “data segregation is a distant third.”

The IDG report also covers:

  • The extent to which security is considered when selecting a data and analytics vendor
  • The collection of sensitive data (such as financial information, personally identifying information, or medical records)
  • The top business objectives for data-driven initiatives
  • The top pain points in data projects

The study is based on a survey of 724 IT decision-makers who reported that their organizations are currently implementing, planning or considering big-data projects. IDG Enterprise is a division of IDG Communications, CSO’s parent company.

Register now to download a free copy of the executive summary: IDG Enterprise 2016 Data & Analytics Survey

Source: InfoWorld Big Data