Survey shows serious security vulnerabilities and operational inefficiencies at Global 2000 companies
Many Global 2000 companies are suffering from serious security vulnerabilities and operational inefficiencies because of a lack of secure identity management, according to new study by Stanford University and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Among several key findings, the study notes that nearly half of the companies surveyed take longer than two days - and many longer than two weeks - to revoke the network access of terminated employees, and that implementing secure identity management can drive down help desk costs by more than $1 million annually.
The study, "Exploring Secure Identity Management in Global Enterprises," was sponsored by Novell's worldwide services organization to explore the key business drivers for secure identity management, as well as obstacles to its adoption. The study consisted of a statistical analysis of nearly 200 Global 2000 company survey responses and more than 30 individual interviews with IT executives and IT managers in North America, Europe and Asia. Companies shared their current technologies, processes and attitudes regarding the management of user identities and access rights.
Survey responses also included a number of anecdotal examples of the security challenges and inefficiencies many of the world's largest companies are facing. For example:
"Clearly secure identity management is one of the most significant issues companies are facing today, because as the Stanford study indicates, failing to address it can have a major impact on both the security and cost structure of an organization," said Chris Stone, Novell vice chairman - Office of the CEO. "That's a one-two punch that can really hamper, if not stop, a company's progress toward its business goals - particularly in today's tough economic climate.
"With those pain points in mind, Novell offers customers relief through its Nsure™ line of secure identity management solutions," Stone said. "Combining Novell's competencies in directory and metadirectory services, provisioning, access management and professional services, Nsure solutions allow businesses to securely deliver the right information to the right people, while eliminating the cost and complexity of password management and redundant administration."
Novell, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVL) delivers Software for the Open Enterprise™. With more than 50,000 customers in 43 countries, Novell helps customers manage, simplify, secure and integrate their technology environments by leveraging best-of-breed, open standards-based software. With over 20 years of experience, more than 5,000 employees, 5,000 partners and support centers around the world, Novell helps customers gain control over their IT operating environment while reducing cost. More information about Novell can be found at http://www.novell.com.
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