Scottish SMEs must prioritise computer security!

Published:   16th Feb 2011, 13:52

Scottish SMEs are being urged to take steps to protect themselves against cyber attacks as the threat of infection from ‘malware’ looks set to increase in 2011.

Scottish software firm tycom has warned that cyber security will be no easier in the new year, as malware proprietors get more sophisticated in their phishing attempts and the increased use of smart phones and social media sites provides new platforms for cyber criminals.

Malware - ‘malicious software’ such as viruses, worms and spyware - is designed to access a computer system without the owner’s informed consent. This can lead to data theft and irretrievable data loss, causing havoc for businesses. Alistair Findlater, managing director of IT experts Tycom, said:

“There is no doubt that technology has made our lives easier and increased business productivity, it has also raised our vulnerability. Malware infections were the cause of the worst security incident faced by businesses this year. The 2010 Information Security Breaches Survey reported that 43% of small organisations had been infected with malware in the past year.

“Too many organisations wait until disaster strikes before taking steps to protect themselves. In my opinion, any business that hasn’t protected its IT systems simply isn’t taking enough care. Data loss caused by malware can cause huge problems for SMEs. It is therefore imperative that businesses take action to protect their assets.”

The Information Security Breaches Survey also revealed that 83% of small organisations (with less than 50 employees) experienced a security incident in 2009 – an increase of 45% from 2008. The average cost of recovering from such an incident ranged from £27,000 to £55,000. Alistair continues:

“The best way to protect your business from malware is to disconnect from the internet altogether – but, of course, that’s not really practical!

“SMEs are high-risk because they don’t always have a dedicated IT specialist to maintain computer systems. However there are a variety of simple precautions that businesses can take to protect against malware - such as installing antivirus software. This is easy enough to do and can be very effective. According to the UK Home Office, identity theft costs the UK economy £1.2billion a year. People need to think about the passwords they are using. A strong password should be impossible, or at least very difficult, to guess. Don’t go with something as obvious as your birthday or last name!”

tycom is one of Scotland’s leading IT and software firms. Formed 35 years ago in Aberdeen, the firm now has offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Simple but effective tips for protecting your business –

• Install up-to-date antivirus software on all desktops, laptops and servers.
• The majority of viruses are spread through email. Never open an attachment in your email if you don't know who it is from and what it is.
• Check regularly for updates on software you use. Ensuring you have the most up-to-date version is a good way to protect your business.
• Use a firewall - no internet connection is safe without one. A firewall acts as a ‘gatekeeper’; it is a piece of software that scans incoming and outgoing traffic for signs of malevolent actions.
• Remember there’s no such thing as a free lunch! Avoid sites that offer software that you would have to pay for normally to download for free. It probably is too good to be true.