CDW-G Survey Shows Five States Ahead of IT Security Curve

information security software antivirus

CDW-G, with the Center for Digital Government, surveyed its several thousand state and local customers about purchases of information security between 2000 and 2004. Michigan, Wisconsin, Washington and Massachusetts also fell ahead of the curve in terms of investment. Important to note is that the report compares states according to an overall index, not dollars spent, to create a level playing field regardless of budget size.

"There was consistency across all states in the actual technology being procured -- hardware and network security, antispam and antivirus components, and so on," says Andy Lausch, director of sales for state and local government at CDW-G. "They're investing in all of them, and recognize that security is not a one-size-fits-all proposition."

Of course, investment in these technologies doesn't mean enhanced security if the states don't implement them properly or fully. For the integrators out there, the survey offers a peek at states that may need a helping hand. "We're not saying that Ohio is the most secure state," Lausch says. "Rather, states need to look at how these products are implemented. And that's really where the [integrator] community comes into play. It's important for the public-sector customer to work with [industry] partners that can help assess their needs and implement the portfolio of offerings properly."

The results also showcase what encourages investment. According to the report and to conversations with the stakeholders that contributed, states that scored well had a few commonalities -- including strong academic programs in information-assurance education for government users, a long-term strategy, and strong IT and legislative leadership at the state, county and city levels.

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