October 17, 2007 – (HOSTSEARCH.COM) – Software Developer Webroot Software, Inc. (http://www.webroot.com/) has published a report that highlights Internet security threats among global SMEs, it was reported yesterday. The report, “State of Internet Security: Protecting Small and Medium Businesses”, offers “startling” results and is presented in conjunction with a handbook entitled, “A Guide to Security for Small & Medium Business”. The handbook offers “tips and best practices for protecting technology infrastructure and sensitive customer data from malware and cyber criminals”.
“Unlike larger corporations, SMEs often lack the monetary resources and IT expertise to install and maintain the type of protection needed in the face of today’s growing malware threats. The real dichotomy here is that most of these companies think the real threats are viruses and worms, but the reality is the%age of spyware is much higher and growing quickly,” explained Webroot Software’s CEO, Mr. Peter Watkins. “As a result, these companies are easier targets for cyber criminals when compared to larger companies with dedicated IT security resources.”
According to the report, SMEs “make up the overwhelming majority of the world’s business landscape”, representing 99.5% of all businesses in each country surveyed. A number of reasons, especially dependence on the Internet, make SMEs vulnerable to Internet security threats.
77% of SMEs in the survey suggested their success “depends on the Internet” with 52% employing home or remote workers. Lack of in-house security expertise, limited budget and resource constraints, and an absence of policies managing personal use of work computers add to their vulnerability.
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“We’re seeing a perfect storm developing that could possibly have serious economic impact. SMEs are heavily reliant on the Internet for their work, making them a target. Compounding matters, there has been a 183% increase in Websites harboring spyware since January 2007, and SMEs aren’t defending themselves adequately,” added Mr. Watkins. “Given that these companies are the lifeblood of the world’s leading economies in both revenue generation and employment, we have a situation that could expose both businesses and customers to a very real, significant and growing threat on a global basis.”
The full report is available at Webroot Software, Inc.’s corporate website: www.webroot.com/sois
