Study: 77% of CISOs Receive Conflicting Advice About Changing Regulation

PRESS RELEASE

(NEW YORK) October 9, 2018 -- In advance of Infosecurity North America, an immersive new cybersecurity event on November 14-15 in New York City, organizers today released results of a new study polling more than 100 US senior cyber security executives. The survey examines the impact of data privacy legislation and how cybersecurity professionals view it.

Almost 80% Say Legislative Rollouts Lack Clarity

Per Infosecurity North America’s results, 77% of respondents said that CISOs are receiving conflicting advice about new or changing regulation. Furthermore, when asked what regulatory bodies should do to help promote a smooth rollout of privacy regulations, 35% of respondents said that regulators should provide clearer communication about compliance requirements.

In addition, 31% said that regulatory bodies should allow a grace period so organizations can tweak their processes without penalty.

Additionally, 17% said that regulatory bodies should permit more time for compliance, and another 17% wanted greater access to troubleshooting resources.

“This type of legislation is incredibly intricate,” said John Hyde, Exhibition Director at Infosecurity North America. “And as it becomes more widespread, legislative and regulatory bodies need to make sure they provide the clarity and resources to make compliance as straightforward as possible.”

Nearly 90% of Executives Want Federal Privacy Regulations

According to the survey, 89% of respondents said that they want federal level data privacy regulations in the United States. Additionally, 78% of respondents say that increased regulatory oversight is driving investment in cybersecurity within their organization.

“This suggests that despite the potentially unsettling effect of regulation on the sector, privacy regulation is actually having a positive impact,” added Hyde.

Recent Legislation, GDPR and DFS Regulations Force Changes

Seventy-six percent of respondents said that they were forced to adapt their organization’s cybersecurity apparatus as a result of GDPR. Additionally, 72% of respondents said that they were forced to make changes to their organizations cybersecurity operations as a result of New York State’s DFS regulation last year.

“With more data privacy regulation coming down the line, cybersecurity teams have already been forced to adjust,” said Hyde. “Each piece of regulation will bring its own challenges, but cybersecurity professionals now at least have the ability to gather much needed insight into the impact of changes as a result of GDPR and DFS.”

Cybersecurity Professionals Confident They Are Compliant

Despite the confusion over regulation, 90% say they are confident that their organizations are compliant with current relevant security regulations.

“Compliance is an ongoing hot topic for cybersecurity professionals today,” added Hyde. “And given that data privacy regulation continues to become more expansive and commonplace, cybersecurity teams need to be vigilant and stay on the front foot to meet regulatory oversight.”

With over 23 years of experience in providing year-round education and networking opportunities for visitors, solution-providers and thought-leaders alike, the Infosecurity Group looks to bring the global infosecurity community together in person, in print and online. Featuring the award-winning Infosecurity Magazine, as well as 8 established events all around the globe.

The topics covered at Infosecurity North America were compiled following intensive customer research. This includes a number of critical information security issues and emerging concepts such as malware, cloud security, governance, regulation and compliance, threats, professional development, application security, and digital forensics. Infosecurity North America is an immersive event for the information security community where you will get access to a high-level conference program with well-respected industry speakers, an expo floor with the latest tech & solutions and a host of networking opportunities.

For more information about Infosecurity North America, please visithttps://www.infosecuritynorthamerica.com.