Deloitte, NASCIO Survey: Insufficient Cyber Budget, Talent Shortage Continue to Challenge Government

A new survey from Deloitte and the National Association of State Chief Information Officers indicates concerns among respondents over low cyber funding amounts and talent shortages they believe pose challenges to the government.

Deloitte said Tuesday the responses also reflect how governor-level awareness of cybersecurity continues to increase.

“The survey results spell out a clear message for CISOs: State leaders are paying attention,” said Srini Subramanian, principal at Deloitte & Touche LLP and state government cyber risk services lead.

“Those [chief information security officers] who are able to harness this attention and build stronger relationships with business executives and state legislators have an opportunity to garner more resources and support for their initiatives,” added Subramanian.

The survey also estimates cybersecurity budgets in state governments at between zero and 2 percent of their overall information technology allotments.

Survey findings indicate that 16 out of 33 states with an approved strategy have had a budget increase.