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Story URL: http://software.silicon.com/security/0,39024655,39120657,00.htm

Leader: Workplace security getting better?
Maybe the word is finally getting through...

By silicon.com

Published: Thursday 13 May 2004

We talk and write about security a lot.

More often than not we're referring to the security of your data - the bits and bytes flowing into, out of and over your corporate network. But there's also the essential but less talked about issue of physical security - making sure malcontents can't get their hands on your desktop PC, laptop, handheld, server, whatever, in the first place. After all you can have the have the best firewall in the world - but it won't stop somebody walking off with your servers.

According to a recent silicon.com poll, neither aspect seemed to be getting a great deal more attention than the other. Almost a quarter of respondents (24.2 per cent) said their organisations take physical security most seriously while a fifth (21.2 per cent) said digital security takes precedent.

Pretty close, really. Furthermore a reasonable number - 33.9 per cent - said both are treated with equal gravity - suggesting companies are starting to realise security is an all-encompassing entity which is as much an issue in the server room as it is on the front desk.

And in an area where readers had the chance to slam their companies a fifth (20.8 per cent) of respondents said all security at their workplace was poor. It's not great - nor is it the kind of consistency firms should be aiming for - but a few years ago it would most likely have been far worse.

Could this mean things are actually getting a bit better? We're seeing a clear majority - nearly 80 per cent - who think their workplace is doing something right. Or at least is addressing the issue in a real and serious way.

Is that a stretch to say workplace security is improving? Maybe. But we hope not.