SMBs to Invest More in IT Security During 2010

Symantec Corp., an Internet security software firm, states that SMBs (Small-and-Medium businesses) will have to invest in their IT security, recovery solutions and backups during 2010 if they want to turn away phishing and spam attacks, as reported by Malaya Business Insight on December 30, 2009.

The firm forecasts that during 2010, the primary security activity for the SMBs will be safeguarding their businesses. Symantec reveals in a new survey that there aren't even the fundamental safeguards against viruses in 33% of SMBs.

The company stated that as polymorphic threats rose in number and exclusive malware variants exploded during 2009, the conventional methods to ward off viruses were no longer sufficient to defend organizations against modern attacks. Therefore, security methods that incorporated all software programs would form the key element during 2010, Symantec predicted.

Symantec also points out that tackling phishing and spam could be troublesome to SMBs. Further, if these threats are ignored, it could result in loss of production and money for the companies. Thus, it'll be significant that SMBs take the initiative to deploy safeguard measures against cyber crimes during 2010.

Moreover, SMBs might find scammers launching fake security software scams during 2010. These scams could be in the form of compromising users' PCs to make them inoperable, and then demanding money to free them. Symantec states that employee awareness about fake software along with trusted antivirus deployment will protect firms from these fake suppliers.

According to the security company, since SMBs mainly focus on their customers, it is essential for them to maintain backups during the periods of disaster. Currently 47% of SMBs are without a proper plan for disaster preparedness, according to the survey. It is thus important for these businesses to have appropriate recovery and backup solutions to lessen malware-related data breaches.

Finally, it would be beneficial for IT managers and owners of SMBs to invest some share of their efforts and money in the security of their firms. They can also engage a consultant or someone providing service from outside for the managerial and advisory functions in areas like IT security.

Related article: SMBs Must Prioritize IT Security Improvement

» SPAMfighter News - 1/6/2010