According to Webroot Research Inc., an internet security company, small and medium businesses around the globe are facing more and more security threats due to their inability to adequately safeguard themselves. Lacking the resources of large corporations, small companies often cannot afford the technical expertise or are unaware of the need for it. In addition, many companies mistakenly believe viruses and Trojans pose the greatest threat. According to Webroot’s security report, the prevalence of spyware accounts for the most damage. Surveys consistently show that small and medium businesses make up 99.5% of most countries business force and account for nearly 50% of each country’s Gross Domestic Product. Further, 77% of businesses claim they rely on the internet. Many depend on it to keep track of customer information from online sales, and up to 52% are home-based or remote. Often, small business must contend with the fast paced mobile workforce, which strains their ability to manage the influx of new technology safely. Companies often have no way to enforce the personal activities of its employees which may compromise the company’s network. It is a daunting task to keep up with all the new threats as well. Even if defensive measures are in place, 60% reported virus infections within the past year.
While Webroot’s specialty in internet security lends some weight to its report, one must consider any conflict of interest that may be present. It is not inconceivable to think that Webroot may want to bolster the threat findings in order to demonstrate more need for its product. Further more, only six countries were polled, and they were industrialized countries. If smaller countries with less of an online workforce are taken into account, the threat levels would undoubtedly fall.
Source: http://libproxy.uncg.edu:4618/ehost/detail?vid=1&hid=120&sid=e78b465a-9ff8-4318-b4bb-0033e0c0ed02%40sessionmgr103
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