Despite the changing nature of data theft on the internet, a number of chief information security officers (CISOs) are still looking to old methods to stop such issues occurring, it has been stated.

The NetWitness Corporation interviewed a number of CISOs and information risk managers at organisations across the world, understanding that 97 per cent of respondents were "very concerned" or "concerned" about the possibility of information theft or a data breach.

However, one-third believed that firewalls alone were protection enough against data leaks, while a further one in four did not have the correct data leakage protection technology in place.

Sara Hook, the conference director for the MIS Institute, which worked with the NetWitness Corporation, labelled the situation "really alarming".

She claimed the "misperception that traditional security approaches alone can protect against information leaks" was a shock, while a lack of those not "planning to focus any money in that area this year" was very questionable.

Earlier this month, Cyber-Ark Software reported that staff at small businesses in IT are known for taking confidential information with them from a company as a parting shot, highlighting the need for a change in access rights for employees.

According to a recent survey by Connect, the two biggest IT headaches for businesses were 'everyday hassles with IT' (37 per cent) and 'security concerns' (32 per cent).