Business Security Information

On this site I cover physical security, computer security and fraud (on and off-line) issues.  When I read a recent survey report from Panda Security regarding small and medium-sized businesses, it made me take a look at the number of articles I have written for each of those categories.  I found that I have written more articles covering computer security and fraud issues than I have physical security issues.

Over the years as I have dealt with so many small and medium-sized businesses, I have realized that the external threats such as burglary and robberies and physical security issues are usually dealt with first.  This is usually done for one of two reasons.  First, it is easier to to notice physical threats and security issues than it is to see threats to a computer system.  Secondly, a lot of smaller businesses just don’t think they will be a target of cybercrime, and computer security seems to be quite technical and not as easily understood as physical security issues are.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the Panda survey, and you will understand why I write so many posts or articles related to computer security and cybercrime issues.

Cybercrime Survey Findings

• Almost half (44 percent) of U.S small and medium sized businesses were affected by some type of cybercrime.
• Out of the 44 percent, almost 10 percent of U.S small and medium sized businesses were affected so badly that they had to stop production or services for a period of time.  This kind of slow-down or shut-down can cripple a business which is one of the main reasons you as a small and medium-sized business owner must pay attention to computer security issues.
• Viruses affected small and medium-sized businesses in 41 percent of the cases, and spyware affected 26 percent of the businesses.  This seems like a lot, but I would be more worried by what was never discovered by a business.  If basic security measures are not in place for a network, businesses may never discover some attacks or not for some length of time.
• 29 percent of the businesses surveyed had no anti-spam protection.
• 22 percent of the businesses had no anti-spyware protection.
• A surprising 16 percent of businesses had no firewall protection.  Firewalls will not protect a business from all forms of attacks, but they do provide some basic protection to your network.
• Businesses with no web filtering was at 52 percent.
• Security awareness training was not provided in 39 percent of the companies.

No survey shows the complete picture for all businesses–some may be better and some may be in worst shape  But even if the percentages are not completely accurate for all businesses, you can take from this survey that small and medium-sized businesses are affected by a lack of computer security. Also, a lot of small and medium-sized businesses do not even try to implement basic security measures to protect their business and their customers.  Where do you fall? Take a look at computer security issues in your business!  Remember that computer security issues can greatly affect the profitability of your business and can also affect the customers you have attracted and are trying to retain.

Related posts:

1. Addressing the Most Important Business Security Issues
2. Is Security Only Needed for Big Business?
3. Security Issues Related to Insider Threats