The latest research carried out by Group 4 Securicor highlights a growing disparity between increasing security threats and the money spent by corporate concerns to counteract them.

According to the survey of security managers from leading financial institutions and FTSE-listed corporations, 88% of respondents feel the security risk to their business is increasing. However, 63% of those surveyed state that their security budget hasn’t increased as a result.

The research reveals that almost one third of companies (31%) experienced a serious security incident in the first quarter of 2004. Incidents reported included activist group activity, terrorist attacks and kidnappings.

Speaking about the results, Douglas Greenwell – marketing director at Group 4 Securicor – told SMT: “There must be Board level recognition of the importance of a cohesive security strategy. Loss of reputation or damage to a brand can have a major long term impact.”