38 percent of the 2019 Fortune 500 run without a chief information security officer (CISO), according Bitglass’ latest report , The Cloudfathers: An Analysis of Cybersecurity in the Fortune 500.
To uncover whether the world’s leading companies are committed to enhancing their cybersecurity initiatives, Bitglass researched the members of the 2019 Fortune 500 and analyzed public-facing information such as what is available on their websites.
The report found that 77% of the Fortune 500 make no indication on their websites about who is responsible for their security strategy. Additionally, 52% do not have any language on their websites about how they protect the data of customers and partners (beyond a legally required privacy notice).
The results demonstrate that most organizations lack an authentic, lasting commitment to cybersecurity, with certain industries being less security-conscious than others.
As breaches continue to cost brands millions, incite executive turnover, decrease stock prices, and harm countless stakeholders, it is crucial that organizations appoint relevant leadership and prioritize proper cybersecurity.
Other Key Findings:
- 38% of the 2019 Fortune 500 do not have a chief information security officer (CISO).
- Of this 38%, only 16% have another executive that is listed as responsible for cybersecurity strategy, such as a vice president of security.
- Of the 62% that do have a CISO, only 4% have them listed on their company leadership pages.
Most Security-Conscious Industries in the Fortune 500:
- The transportation industry is the most security-conscious vertical, with 57% of its companies listing an executive as responsible for cybersecurity strategy. The aerospace industry (33%) and the insurance industry (30%) come in second and third, respectively.
- 89% of organizations in the aerospace industry have information available on their websites about how they are protecting the data of customers and partners. Aerospace is followed by finance (72%) and technology (66%).
Least Security-Conscious Industries in the Fortune 500:
- No hospitality companies list an executive who is responsible for cybersecurity strategy. The manufacturing and telecommunications industries follow closely behind at 8% and 9%, respectively.
- Within each of the construction, oil and gas, and hospitality industries, only 25% of organizations have information on their websites about how they protect customer and partner data.
“Corporate social responsibility initiatives have made it onto the websites of the Fortune 500, but research has shown that the same level of importance is not being given to publicly demonstrating commitment to cybersecurity initiatives,” said Anurag Kahol, chief technology officer of Bitglass.
“Lax security and its resulting breaches have long-term repercussions for organizations as well as their customers, shareholders, partners, and other stakeholders. Members of the Fortune 500 should be focused just as much on protecting personal data and consumer privacy as they are on other areas of social responsibility.”