IT managers are not spending enough on security, according to a report from analysts IDC.

In its European Security Services Forecast and Growth Scenarios, 2001-2006 IDC said that, although the awareness of security issues has never been higher, there is still a lack of understanding about the risks being faced.

The report warned that confusing vendor messages are inhibiting spending on security services.

The European security services market is forecast to grow from $1.9bn in 2001 to $5.9bn in 2006.

But Martin Canning, research director at IDC European Services Research, maintained that the disinclination to spend on security services is putting pressure on many security services firms, many of which will not survive.

"While the long-term prognosis is positive, and high awareness levels bode well for the future, IDC believes that the market has reached a critical juncture," he said.

To build credibility and increase spending by customers, players in the IT security services sector must merge and reconsider their positioning messages.