Security professionals are most concerned about threats originating from the inside, according to a survey by InformationWeek Analytics/DarkReading.com.

Byte and Switch reports that 52 percent of respondents are worried about accidental and malicious data compromises during the day-to-day activities of employees or business partners. Thirty-five percent say the loss or theft of a laptop or portable storage device is the most potentially dangerous event that could occur in their organization.

Respondents had definite ideas on what would make their jobs easier. The number one wish was for "smarter end users who understand security risks." With 35 percent expecting their IT security budgets to increase in 2009, the number two wish may be easier to attain: More automated security technology that would allow security pros to focus more on strategic issues and emerging threats and less on firefighting.