SMBs Easy Targets For Cyber Criminals

Webroot Software, a provider of Internet security software for the consumer, enterprise and SMB markets, has unveiled its latest report, “State of Internet Security: Protecting Small and Medium Businesses”. The report highlights survey results surrounding Internet security threats among SMBs worldwide.

“Unlike larger corporations, SMBs 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 percentage of spyware is much higher and growing quickly,” said Peter Watkins, CEO, Webroot Software. “As a result, these companies are easier targets for cyber criminals when compared to larger companies with dedicated IT security resources.”

Because of the sheer number of SMBs worldwide, they are easy for criminals to find and have several consistent internal attributes that heighten their Internet security risk, including pervasive Internet use – 77% of SMBs said their success depends on the Internet; home-based and remote workers - up to 52% of new businesses are home-based or remote; and the need to store valuable customer and employee data due to online sales.