NCJ Number
107713
Journal
Security Volume: 24 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1987) Pages: 52-58
Date Published
1987
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Trends in computer security management were examined in a 1987 questionnaire survey of 1,200 security managers.
Abstract
Responses from 456 individuals indicate that organizations are becoming increasingly aware of computer security issues and are increasingly relying on cooperation between data processing and security departments to deal with these issues. Almost 20 percent of companies had detected a computer crime in the past 5 years; the rate of computer crime was directly related to the number of employees, particularly the number using computers. Most frequently used security equipment included access control devices, electronic surveillance, anchoring and security storage devices, encryption, and smoke and fire detection systems. The yearly losses associated with computer crime and abuse showed a median of $10,000, while the average loss was over $140,000. Major threats to computer security and integrity identified by respondents included unauthorized use or misuse of data by employees, routine errors and omissions, and careless dispersal or disposal of printouts. Only 40 percent believed computer crime was going undetected in their firms. Major methods of detection included investigation of suspected loss and audits. 5 figures.