25 Feb 2009

Businesses 'must protect information'

Firms have been warned they must protect sensitive information effectively in order to avoid losses.

Smaller companies in particular are at risk from online fraudsters and data thieves, according to sector expert Tony Neate, managing director of Get Safe Online.

"Businesses are vulnerable because information is both vulnerable and valuable, but small businesses must look to secure that information," he explains.

Even businesses without an online presence are in danger if client details are kept on a home computer, as viruses such as Trojans pose a threat, Mr Neate adds.

Any firm handling online payments must also do so securely and through a third party in order to prevent the loss of customers and potentially much more, the expert concludes.

Ryan Farmer, a consultant for specialist information protection firm Acumen Consulting, recently advised organisations of all sizes to implement security measures to avoid "expensive" data loss.