Despite the real threat of hacking and online thievery, a lot of small businesses do not consider themselves affected by it, says a report by StaySafeOnline.org. While dependent on their computer systems for data storage, few realize that all it takes is one breach to destroy a cultivated relationship with clients and the company’s own financial status.
StaySafeOnline.org, a website of the National Cyber Security Alliance, has recently released a study that chronicles the cyber security practices and attitudes of small businesses. Conducted in partnership with Visa, the study shows some interesting, if not disturbing, results.
It turns out that many small businesses (about 65% of the respondents) are highly dependent on their computer / IT / data systems, where they store important information, from sensitive company financial records to personal client information such as credit card info, addresses and phone numbers, and more. However, as many as 85% believe that they will not be targeted by hackers and online thieves, and less than half have data security systems in which they are confident. In general, small businesses have, at best, a mediocre security system.
Few realize, though, that it only takes one breach to compromise a company’s finances and relationships with clients. And if you have less than stellar security, stealing from you is easier. You might not have as many online assets as big businesses, but hackers can make a hefty profit by victimizing several easy marks as opposed to bigger and riskier efforts with more secure systems of larger firms.
Don’t take a risk with important data, and don’t compromise the relationships and reputation you’ve built with your clients over the years. Good security is always worth it. If you’re interested in knowing more about beefing up your security through company policies, software, and user education, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to sit down with you and discuss a security blueprint that’s cost effective and custom built to meet your specific needs.
Reference: National Small Business Study
Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org.
Small Firms Need Security Too
- Written by Craig Segal on December 13th, 2011
Related Posts
Should You Use Online or Hosted QuickBooks?
Is your business still using a desktop version of QuickBooks to keep track of your finances? If so, you should […]
by: Michael DaveyCloud Services for Small Businesses
Although large and small businesses have different needs, both can benefit from the use of cloud services. It’s easy to […]
by: Craig SegalHow Network Security Helps Your Business
Have you experienced a network security breach? If so, you are now likely aware of just how important it is […]
by: Michael Davey
I.T. Services Group, LLC
Philadelphia Office
100 Granite Drive, Suite 4
Media, PA 19063
Tel: (484) 443-4000
Fax: (413) 254-5828
Chicago Office
28 S Water St, Batavia, IL 60510
Tel: (630) 533-6000
I.T. Services Group, LLC
I.T. Services Group, LLC
100 Granite Drive, Suite 4
Media,
PA
19063
USA
Work +1-484-443-4000
Email:
sales@itsgllc.com
Copyright ©2021 ITSG - I.T. Services Group. All rights reserved. Web Design by Media Proper