So, you think your business is too small for hackers to have any interest in the files on your computer? You're not alone.

 

According to a survey released by the National Cyber Security Alliance in conjunction with National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, 2010, only half (53%) of small business owners take security seriously enough to check their security software, firewalls and devices for updates.

 

Worse, only 28% of U.S. small businesses have a written security or Acceptable Use Policy to govern how employees use the Internet at work.

 

Given that hackers are scanning small business networks every day for exploitable vulnerabilities, this cavalier attitude towards security in so many small businesses is irresponsible.

 

It threatens not only the company's data, but also the personal information of customers and employees whose Social Security Numbers and credit cards may be stored on the network.

 

If you do store SSN's or credit card information, you certainly don't want to go through the time-consuming, costly, reputation-killing process of informing your customers or employees that their personal data has been breached.

 

This doesn't mean you have to hire an expensive team of Cyber Security experts and build a concrete block fortress with barbed-wire fencing, but if you don't have a Security Plan, you should, according to the NCSA,  immediately assess your risks, monitor threats to your business, and develop a plan that makes sense for the level of risk your company faces.

 

A little training about what to watch for, not only on the Internet but in the office, should be planned, as well.

 

For help in securing your small business network or developing an Acceptable Use Policy or Security Plan, contact Eric Magill at 302-537-4198.