SMEs 'vulnerable to phishing'

News Article - 26 April 2007
Category: Technology

Almost two-thirds of small and medium-sized enterprises are leaving themselves open to phishing attacks, a study has shown.

Research by security firm Network Box found that 62 per cent of firms have not implemented systems to protect themselves from cyber crime.

In addition, when questioned about anti-virus updates, 99 per cent of respondents said they had no idea how often their software was updated, while the same number had no way of being alerted if the system of updates failed.

Commenting on the findings, Simon Heron, managing director of Network Box, said: "Worryingly, the message about the need for IT security does not appear to be reaching SMEs."

He urged the IT security industry to drive home the message that such measures are necessary to protect a business.

The research showed that businesses with 250 PCs could save more than £14,000 on the cost of multiple licences, but Mr Heron added that many SMEs were living in a "timewarp" and pretending the security risks do not exist.

A report from the firm last year showed that small businesses were the most vulnerable to online attacks.

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