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Small firms should take steps to protect themselves against internet spyware, an expert has advised.
Tony Neate is managing director of Get Safe Online, a joint initiative between HM Government, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and leading businesses which aims to help individuals and small firms protect themselves against the internet security risks of using web services.
A spyware program installs itself on a victims computer - typically without their knowledge - and collects information about their computer memory and usage.
This can include data about web pages visited, details entered into forms, company credit report details and other private information.
Spyware often also has the capacity to install new programs, redirect web browsers and perform other malicious actions.
Mr Neate recently emphasised that spyware can cause "a lot of trouble" for any small business that stores information, not just those who trade online.
He explained that although 97 per cent of small businesses now use anti-virus software, few realise the need for separate anti-spyware protection.
Mr Neate continued: "People are looking at what youre doing… Its a code which you dont want on your system, monitoring what youre doing or even taking control. Companies need to be aware of that.
"If youre a small company… and you have your financial details [on the computer] ready for the taxman - and that gets compromised - you are going to be in a lot of trouble.
"Its important for people to realise that you need to have this overall security - so, looking at the four elements: anti-spyware, anti-virus, firewalls and updating the operating system."
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