|
Internet viruses and online crime can have a devastating effect on small businesses and rebuilding them can be a "nightmare", according to new research by Get Safe Online.
Research published by the online safety organisation in June 2007 found that 44 per cent of small businesses in the UK have been the victim of cyber crimes such as identity fraud and data theft. The implications for a new business start-up are particularly severe.
Tony Neate, the managing director of Get Safe Online said that losing access to a hard drive or losing all accounts can be "devastating for any business, regardless of its size".
"If a virus affects the system and it knocks out … your computer so you cant access the hard drive at all, then potentially youve lost all your accounts", he said.
He added: "The individual worry is about losing photographs and personal information off a computer if theyre affected by a Trojan or a virus, and thats bad enough. But if you lose all that because youre a sole businessman and you also lose all your accounts, then it can be devastating. And to rebuild all that again can be a bit of a nightmare."
The report also stated that, of those businesses affected, 36 per cent had suffered a computer virus and 18 per cent reported being the victim of internet scams such as phishing or hacking in the last two years.
Research published in January 2007 by Webroot Software found that over a third of the companies surveyed had dealt with a Trojan horse attack and almost a quarter reported system monitor attacks.
Get Safe Online is a joint initiative between HM government, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and leading businesses, which aims to help individuals and small businesses protect themselves against internet security risks.
See copyright notice
| Other
Top Business News Stories |
|
Business
News 
