Top Concerns of Today’s CIOs

Top Concerns of Today’s CIOs

By Dennis McCafferty

68% of surveyed CIOs cite security as a top concern. In 2014, there were more than 2,100 confirmed data breaches and $400 million in financial losses due to the compromise of 700 million records, according to Verizon.

55% of those surveyed said cloud computing is a top concern, as CIOs and their tech teams can’t control the abundance of new apps that are “hiding” in the cloud.

48% cite infrastructure as a top concern. No longer is there a single location that uses standardized hardware/software to interact with data and systems.

44% said consolidation is a top concern, given that islands of data and computing have created disparate information and redundancies that lack needed cohesion.

40% said big data is a top concern, with CIOs under pressure to incorporate analytics tools that can trigger quicker, better business decisions based upon the wealth of captured information.

32% cite automation as a top concern, because traditional functions are getting eliminated. However, automation must meet the strategic objectives of the enterprise.

22% said mobile computing is a top concern, with the growing presence of bring your own device (BYOD) and the unauthorized use of devices/apps (shadow IT).

15% cite staff retention as a top concern, because the recruitment picture is increasingly competitive and talented IT staffers can shop themselves to the highest bidder.

13% said social networks present a top concern. While they serve as an effective way to connect to consumers, they also create distractions within the workforce while also introducing security vulnerabilities.

10% cite succession planning as a top concern. CIOs can’t afford to leave key roles vacant due to a departure or retirement, lest their organizations lose a critical competitive edge.