SMBs Climbing Up in the Hit List of Cyber Crooks

According to the latest survey of GetSafeOnline, about 44% of Small- and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) have suffered cyber attacks.

The aftermath of such assaults may prove to be extremely disastrous for small businesses. Spyware, viruses, spam and hacking attacks can lead to numerous adverse consequences, including data loss or theft, productivity decline, computer downtime, compliance-related issues and loss of sales and reputation.

Security experts stated that such effects are harmful to companies of every size, but in particular, SMBs get most affected. This is because SMBs have limited technical staff, limited security budget and very few backup options, which make them vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Moreover, SMBs are becoming increasingly dependent on technology to achieve their business operations and maintain their competitiveness in the corporate world. Thus, cyber crooks are increasingly targeting SMBs.

The most distressing fact is that majority of the small businesses in Europe regard themselves to be apparently insignificant to the cyber criminals, whereas about 56% have not ever thought that they could be at the criminals' target. Further, 90% of the firms think that they are sufficiently protected in terms of IT security.

Security experts said that the SMBs should come out of this risky misconception and realize the possible causes of cyber risks for them. They should beef up their IT security and ensure the best possible ways to protect their businesses from any malicious attack, though it may prove to be a little bit tough for SMBs.

Coping with viruses, malicious codes and preventing phishing attacks is a comprehensive job. It's specially all the more difficult ask for the companies that are struggling with limited budget and resources.

The businesses must implement proper technology to save themselves from cyber attacks. As far as awareness is considered, there are several steps in which a business may remain protected from the criminals. These steps include deleting e-mails received from unidentified sources, not opening any e-mail attachment, backing up files and protecting the confidential details like bank account and credit card numbers.

» SPAMfighter News - 27-12-2008

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