As many as one in six SMEs have reported an IT security breach in the past year.
Believe it or not, small businesses are prime targets for cyber criminals, says Bruce Goodwill, sales director for EMEA, Australasia, South America and ROW at AVG. “Small businesses worldwide lose billions annually to cyber attacks, as most small businesses are hoping nothing happens. If it does, they aren't prepared.”
Unfortunately, he says Internet security is something that isn't prioritised until a breach has occurred. No one thinks it will happen to them.
According to the AVG SMB Market Landscape Report, SMEs worry more about the immediate logistical issues resulting from an IT security breach, such as time, and cost to replace damage. However, loss of sales and revenue opportunities is top of mind for those that have been breached.
“Businesses of all sizes should treat online security the same way they treat corporate governance and brand protection, and make it a boardroom issue. This is not just a technology debate,” says Goodwill.
He advises SMEs to start with the basics such as strong password management, encryption of data on computers, and having up-to-date anti-malware software installed. He says employees should be trained to recognise a cyber attack, and know what the dangers involved are.
The consumerisation of ICT has also driven the need to protect mobile devices, which are increasingly vulnerable to attacks, he adds.
“SMEs are showing greater appetite for solutions used by mobile workers. However, not all are aware of the IT security risks that accompany this technology. One in five are employing Android smartphones; an equal proportion use BlackBerrys, while employees spend an average of one day a week (20% of their time) working away from the office.”
However, Goodwill says only 25% of respondents viewed the use of mobile devices in the workplace as a potential threat. In addition, the survey revealed that very few SMEs are using anti-malware for mobile devices.
As content is increasingly being delivered on a mobile platform, often via apps delivered through the cloud, the myriad methods of protecting devices and information can become confusing.
Although most users are aware of the benefits offered by anti-virus software, not all appreciate the plethora of phishing and other exploits that cyber criminals will try to trap users with.
Goodwill says that while SMEs do not deal with matters of national security, cyber criminals are still targeting them relentlessly, and will try to obtain any information of value, from product roadmaps, to pricing data, to corporate bank account information.
“Internet security is an aspect of running a business that requires ample attention. Never assume that your business is safe online, and always keep a keen eye on anything that may potentially be harmful to your business' files or information. Securing your business will provide you peace of mind and give you more time to focus on your bottom line,” he concludes.
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