IT security is not just an investment that ensures the protection of company assets. It also creates significant added value for customers and enables new business models. This is one of the key findings of a study by Trend Micro.
Trend Micro, in collaboration with the Brandenburg Institute for Society and Security (BIGS), surveyed 300 IT and IT security executives about, among other things, their investment behavior. Not just a protective shield, but also a catalyst for flourishing business models and customer satisfaction - this is a reality for those companies that are increasingly investing in IT security and proceeding strategically.
They report improved business results and a stronger position in the market compared to their less security-conscious competitors. According to the BIGS study, 71 percent of those surveyed who invest more than ten percent of their IT budget in cybersecurity confirm an increase in market share and strengthened customer relationships. More than half of them (58 percent) had fallen victim to a cyberattack in the past, which led them to think strategically about IT security. 63 percent said their investments in security measures directly led to an increase in sales and profitability.
Take customer needs seriously
🔎 Damage from a cyber attack in the next 12 months: Only 32% of companies that have never been attacked see a higher probability (Image: Trend Micro).
The importance of IT security is not only underlined by its positive impact on business results and market position. Several studies warn that the costs in lost customers, investors and reputational damage can be significant when companies fail to ensure cybersecurity. On the other hand, anyone who invests in improving their security level takes the needs and expectations of their customers into account with this business strategy. Since they consider the protection of their data to be important, it makes sense from a business perspective to plan accordingly. In this way, companies strengthen trust and give their customers the certainty that their data is in good hands. The result is higher customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and long-term business relationships.
Customer needs as a driver for innovative business models
The results of the study by BIGS and Trend Micro show a clear connection between investment behavior and a recognition of the value creation potential of security: 77 percent of companies that see added value for their customers invest strategically. Pursuing such an investment strategy demonstrates preventative and proactive behavior - these companies have recognized that for the long-term success of their business it is necessary to take their customers' needs seriously and comprehensively protect their data. That's why 79 percent of them consider their strategic investments to be relevant for developing new business models.
In contrast, around a third of the companies surveyed tend to use their budget mainly reactively if they see the added value for their customers as limited. You invest to address security issues in the short term. These companies risk not responding to their customers' needs and thus missing the opportunity for innovative and competitive business models.
Dr. Tim Stuchtey, Managing Director of the Brandenburg Institute for Society and Security, adds: “At a time when cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common, the present study results confirm that IT security not only causes costs, but also contributes to the added value of a company. On the one hand, it secures the heart of many companies with the data and systems and, on the other hand, thanks to its strengthened business position, it offers a clear competitive advantage when it comes to security of supply, for example.”
Cybersecurity is worth it
🔎 Damage from cyber attacks in the next 12 months: Companies experienced in attacks are significantly more skeptical at 54% (Image: Trend Micro).
The study highlights that investing in cybersecurity is much more than a purely defensive measure; they act as a significant lever for business growth and customer satisfaction. Anyone who recognizes the potential for value creation and integrates cybersecurity into their business strategy has an eye on the future. The study underlines how important a holistic and forward-looking approach to IT security is: it is a central element for business success, creates added value for customers and promotes innovative business models.
“A holistic approach to IT security is the key to business success by creating added value for customers and promoting sustainable business models. Companies that proactively and strategically invest in this not only achieve improved protection against cyber attacks, but also benefit from a strengthened market position, increased sales and strengthened customer relationships,” summarizes Hannes Steiner, Vice President Germany at Trend Micro.
The study is directly accessible without further activation.
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About Trend Micro As one of the world's leading providers of IT security, Trend Micro helps create a secure world for digital data exchange. With over 30 years of security expertise, global threat research, and constant innovation, Trend Micro offers protection for businesses, government agencies, and consumers. Thanks to our XGen™ security strategy, our solutions benefit from a cross-generational combination of defense techniques optimized for leading-edge environments. Networked threat information enables better and faster protection. Optimized for cloud workloads, endpoints, email, the IIoT and networks, our connected solutions provide centralized visibility across the entire enterprise for faster threat detection and response.