Network World Survey Reveals IT Executives are Prepared After Terrorist Attacks

Business Wire, Oct 22, 2001

Business/Technology Editors

SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oc. 22, 2001

In a recent survey conducted after the September 11 attack, the vast majority of Network IT Executives report that they have the tools in place to protect their networks from cyber attacks, according to Network World, the leading network news publication. Over 75% of those surveyed feel their IT department has the tools to protect and prevent their networks from cyber attacks and over 80% feel they have the tools in place to recover from physical and cyber attacks to their networks. Also notable was that 89% said that they will not increase IT spending as a result of the events on September 11.

Enterprise companies are also turning to telework as a result of the September 11 attacks, according to those surveyed. Nearly 40% of respondents said they expect an increase in teleworkers within the next 12 months, while 55% said they expect their teleworker populations will remain unchanged. Of those bracing for an increase, the average predicted about a 10% rise.

The survey was based on a random sample of 100 Network World qualified subscribers in companies with more than 1000 employees, who are responsible for choosing or approving network expenditures. It focused on a number of current industry issues, including network security, distributed workforces, privacy and IT spending priorities since September 11. The key findings in the survey were:

--76% feel their IT department has the tools to protect and prevent their networks from cyber attacks

--80% feel their IT department has the tools in place to recover from physical attacks to its networks

--89% said that IT spending will not change as a result of the events on September 11

--55% expect the number of teleworkers to stay the same in the next 12 months

--51% are no more concerned about cyber-attacks on their organizations' network infrastructure

--72% feel the American public needs to be prepared to give up some degree of privacy for the sake of national security

"We were surprised at how confident Network IT executives are about their network infrastructures," said John Dix, editor-in-chief of Network World. "The survey provided some interesting insight into their overall thinking about terrorism, but shows that Network IT Executives have diligently prepared for worst case scenarios and have faith in what they have built."

Network World is currently conducting an expansive IT spending survey that will be published on November 26.

About Network World

Network World, Inc., the Leader in Network Knowledge, empowers Network IT Executives and enables e-business through education, information and community. Network World is the leading provider of news, analysis, reviews, events and education on information technology. Network World publishes the leading newsweekly, NetworkWorld, hosts the most active online community, Network World Fusion (http://www.nwfusion.com), and produces educational seminars and events worldwide.

About International Data Group-

Network World, Inc. is a division of IDG, the world's leading IT media, research and exposition company. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers and 4,000 book titles and offers online users the largest network of technology-specific sites around the world through IDG.net (http://www.idg.net), which comprises more than 270 targeted Web sites in 70 countries. IDG is also a leading producer of 168 computer-related expositions worldwide, and provides IT market analysis through 50 offices in 43 countries worldwide. Company information is available at http://www.idg.com.