| The problem addressed was the need to maintain data security in the field of information technology. Specifically, the breakdown of communication between business leaders and data security specialists create risks to data security. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to determine which factors would improve communication between data security specialists and business leaders to improve internal and external data security issues. A purposive sample consisted of 20 participants, including 10 business leaders and 10 data security specialists. Face-to-face interviews were recorded, transcribed, verified, and analyzed. The two key research questions included examination of (a) the existing communication barriers, and (b) which factors would improve communication between the two key groups to improve both internal and external data security. The analysis resulted in14 major themes, which included aspects of (a) organizational culture, (b) policies and procedures, (c) training, and (d) management support. Knowledge barriers prevented efficient communication, and both groups agreed on the need to work together to accomplish security goals but business leaders; data security specialists have different perspectives and goals. The recommendations are to (a) work together to determine the acceptable level of risk, (b) attend training, and (c) encourage an organizational culture of data security. The contribution to positive social change of this study is to improve communications between two key groups of an organization to increase confidence in formation security, thus enabling the leaders of an enterprise to prepare for and deter a potential security breach and cyber-crime. |
