Admitted attacks on computer networks at global financial institutions more than doubled in the last year, resulting in more monetary losses. Yet a quarter of those companies say they're not spending more on new security systems.

Those are the findings in the 36-page 2004 global security survey [PDF] by New York-based Deloitte Touche.

IT executives from 100 companies were interviewed for the report, and 83% acknowledged their systems have been compromised in the past year, compared to only 39% in 2002. Of those surveyed, 40% said attacks against their networks resulted in financial loss. Despite that, 25% reported flat security budget growth.

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The survey did show some positive trends.

Among them, financial institutions showed improvement in complying with regulations, as two-thirds (67%) of respondents indicated they have a program for managing privacy compared to 56% last year. In addition, 69% felt that senior management is committed to security projects needed to address regulatory requirements.

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