9 December 2014

Concerns over cyber security

Concerns over cyber security could be affecting SMEs online sales - Something our sector needs to be mindful of.

Recent reports have highlighted both employee and consumer concerns over online security, and the possible damaging consequences.

Research Agency Gfk Group has carried out a survey of employees from small and medium sized business - The State of the Small Business Employee Report. The research found that 87% of those surveyed felt at risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or other cyber crime, while using work computer systems and devices.

There were also worrying signs of a lack of documented policies governing the use of company-owned IT devices and the use of computers in the workplace. Only 53% of employees at SMEs that have IT support as staff or on contract, said that their company had policies in place. And to make things even worse, 24% of those who do have policies in place admitted to violating them.

These statistics not only have internal implications for businesses, but can also affect how they are perceived by customers.

UK Government research has suggested that consumers are more likely to shop online with corporate companies and their brands, as they feel safer using their websites compared to SMEs' websites. In all, 59% of those surveyed agreed. But crucially, 82% said they would buy more online from SMEs, if those businesses were better at showing how well protected they are from cyber crime.

The ‘Cyber Streetwise' campaign has been launched to help build awareness of the importance of implementing and following processes for online security. The government hopes to encourage SMEs to protect themselves from future online risks.

Further research has shown that ONLY :

• 46% of SMEs regularly monitor their IT systems for breaches
• 48% of SMEs restrict access to their IT networks
• 58% of SMEs regularly use complex access passwords
• 66% of SMEs regularly download the latest software updates
• 46% of SMEs control the use of USB storage devices