KC's Tracey Hannan

One in four businesses in Yorkshire have suffered a breach in IT security, according to new independent research carried out by OnePoll on behalf of local communications provider KC. Despite 92% of the respondents valuing IT security as important (36%) or very important (56%) for their business, 25% fail to use any form of IT security software.

The research results show that small and medium sized enterprises are leaving themselves vulnerable to threats that could lead to the loss of important information and productivity through systems failure, or worse; theft of financial data and money. The research also found these threats are increased for most businesses in Yorkshire by their failure to  install security software on their mobile phones, despite over a third (35%) indicating mobile devices are regularly hooked up to their office network. 

KC is calling on small businesses to step up their IT security. Tracey Hannan, IT security specialist at KC, explained: “The internet is vital to the operations of most businesses these days. But by not taking adequate security precautions, small businesses are playing Russian Roulette every time they go online, open an email or connect a mobile phone to their computer to download music.  This may sound dramatic, but when you consider that each security breach costs between £10,000 and £20,000, in a tough economic environment this can mean make or break. No one would knowingly leave their office or shop unlocked at all times, so why do it online?”

 

In recognition of the challenges facing small businesses, KC has launched a new IT security offering as part of its wider security services to support small businesses across Yorkshire.  Called SoHoBlue, the system provides the highest standard of online protection and includes a full range of safeguarding features for IT networks of up to 10 PCs for just £399 for the first year and £138 per year after that.  In addition, KC is offering businesses a free consultation with a KC security expert who will assess online threats and provide advice and guidance on how best to protect it against them.

“Investment in IT security doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive. In fact, with our SoHoBlue system costing the equivalent of just £33 per month, it’s getting cheaper and easier to protect your business. You can even get someone else to manage it for you, mitigating directors’ liability should something untoward happen,” Hannan added.

To help small businesses get to grips with IT security, KC has outlined three steps that all business owners should consider.

KC's top three IT security steps for small businesses:

• Introduce a security policy– and even an acceptable use policy for your staff when using company email and the internet. This should spell out what staff can and can’t use company IT systems and equipment for.
• Insurance – make sure your insurance policy covers your business for financial losses due to a serious IT breach should one ever occur.
• Antivirus software– antivirus software is one of the best ways to protect your network from viruses, worms, Trojans, bots and malware.

For more information about protecting your business, or to request a free consultation, visit www.kc.co.uk/security.