Latest SRI report indicates security managers “lack influence over the security budget”

The latest report from the Security Research Initiative explores the extent to which security managers are able to influence the security budget, whether and why this matters, and how great an influence can be attained.

Responses were based on the views of security professionals from both in-house and contract positions – predominantly those currently in a security manager/director role – collected via an online survey and in-depth interviews.

Key statistics included:

• 76% agreed that being able to influence the budget is key to delivering good security.
• Influence over the budget was considered important for several reasons including: giving status to security in discussions with other departments enabling security advice and proposals to commonly be listened to; and being able to direct the allocation of resources using relevant expertise.
• A lack of influence meant that security managers could not: purchase basic and essential resources; plan effectively; and resulted in security decisions being made by non-security experts.
• 51% of respondents in a current security management role had a high level of influence on the budget; 10% were ‘not involved’.
• 46% of security managers/directors thought that their current budget was ‘insufficient’ (42% thought it was ‘sufficient’). Unsurprisingly, those with the highest levels of influence over the budget were the least likely to view it to be insufficient.
• Reasons for the budget being considered less than required included: the budget allocated did not reflect the risks faced; and did not cover key areas such as training, travel, basic equipment, contingencies; teams were understaffed; rising costs not covered; and being asked to provide more for less.
• The chances of being allocated an appropriate budget was improved if: the security function was seen as core to business (86% agreed); an organisation understands its security threats and risks (85% agreed); the security team has a high status (83% agreed).

Research participants highlighted a number of ways in which security managers can become influential. For example:

• Relating security spend to reducing business risks and improving operations
• Highlighting the dangers and risks in not meeting objectives
• Ensuring the risk owner understands and accepts the implications/risks
• Using data and ensuring arguments are evidence based
• Linking physical security spend to cyber security (where this is viewed as a greater priority attracting a bigger budget)

Professor Martin Gill who led the research noted: “Based on our sample, it is striking that so many security managers do not have the desired level of influence over the security budget, and that so many consider their current budget to be inadequate, especially given that having influence was widely considered to be key to delivering good security. In the current climate of economic uncertainty, recruitment challenges, cost of living increases, and budget cuts, the advice offered by our sample should be heeded.”

The Security Research Initiative is sponsored by the security sector (buyers and suppliers) and involves an annual study. The reports are made available free of charge in order to provide a more informed information base about the workings of the security sector.

Subscribe to the IFSEC Insider weekly newsletters

Enjoy the latest fire and security news, updates and expert opinions sent straight to your inbox with IFSEC Insider's essential weekly newsletters. Subscribe today to make sure you're never left behind by the fast-evolving industry landscape.

Sign up now!

Subscribe to the newsletter ✉️