Security Chiefs Sit High On The Corporate LadderSecurity Chiefs Sit High On The Corporate Ladder

Nearly 45% of companies have put a senior manager in charge of computer security--up just a bit from a year and a half ago, according to a survey sponsored by a pair of industry groups.

The Business Software Alliance and Information Systems Security Association last week released results of their Information Security Survey, a Web poll of 850 worldwide members of ISSA conducted in December and January. According to the survey, 44% of companies said a member of senior management is responsible for IT security, up from 39% in October 2003. BSA, a consortium of 25 software companies that includes Cisco Systems, IBM, and Microsoft, supports enforcement of copyright and software-counterfeiting laws.

Among other findings: 78% of companies have a formal information-security program; 90% have an information-security officer; and 55% have a chief privacy officer.