Lack of IT security sends one in three businesses to the wall

One in three businesses close due to staff errors with IT security, according to a new report from protection providers Data Defender Ltd.

The report also stated that a staggering 64 per cent of UK workers have not received adequate training on PC security issues, including malware and virus protection and sensitive data loss.

A lack of understanding on data protection laws, the use of sub-standard password choices as well as opening virus infected emails or following through on phishing emails are all listed amongst the reasons British companies fall foul of major security breaches.

Graeme Batsman, consultant director at Data Defender Ltd, said that it is imperative businesses focus time and resources into ensuring their staff have the basic skills where IT security is concerned as it will benefit all business sections and reduce the likelihood of human error.

He said: “A large proportion of UK workers do not see data security as an issue while others view it only as a problem for the IT department and technical staff; it is vital that we protect our digital lives.

“There are simple and cost effective measures that businesses can take to ensure that security improves, including the right training and a change of mind set."

He added that knowledge is far more important than product implementation as companies that even have the best and most high-tech biometrics, firewalls, antivirus scanner and encryption will still come unstuck if a member of staff makes an error.

It is estimated that data security breaches cost UK companies some £27 billion each year.

Major General Jonathan Shaw, the country's head of cyber security, told the Daily Telegraph recently that hacking and data security attacks represent the biggest current threat to national security.

He revealed that the government itself has invested an extra £650 million into developing software to fend off virus intrusions.

Can your business afford to not have the basics of IT support covered? 

Posted by Paul Sells

Breaking news from ihotdesk, IT security solutions in London.