South Basildon
and East Thurrock MP, Stephen Metcalfe has urged businesses to think about
cyber security and follow the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) top tips to
stay safe online.
The Federation of
Small Businesses recently published a report, Cyber security and fraud: the
impact on small businesses, which shows that cyber crime costs its members
around £785 million per year as they fall victim to fraud and online crime.
The report shows
that 41 per cent of FSB members have been a victim of cyber crime in the last
12 months, putting the average cost at around £4,000 per business. Around three
in 10 members have been a victim of fraud, typically by a customer or client
(13%) or through ‘card not present’ fraud (10%).
However, the
report finds that almost 20 per cent of FSB members have not taken any steps to
protect themselves from a cyber crime, even though 36 per cent of respondents
said they regularly install security patches. Almost six in 10 members
regularly update their virus scanning software to minimise their exposure to
online crime.
In response to
this the FSB has developed ten top tips for small firms to help them keep their
data secure and reduce the risk of online fraud. The tips include measures on
having the right security protection and practices, staff training, and having
regular assessment and testing of security.
Stephen Metcalfe
MP said: “Cyber crime can hit small firms hard, so it’s important they think
carefully about the procedures in place to prevent it. The FSB’s top tips are
an excellent tool for businesses that aren’t sure where to turn to for advice,
and set out clear steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of operating
online.”
Ann Swain, Chair
of the FSB’s Home Affairs Policy Committee said: “Tackling cyber crime is a
growing priority for businesses, and while a lot of our members are taking
action we need to make sure small businesses adopt a range of measures to
protect themselves. Our research shows just how common cyber crime is, and the
serious effect it has on firms, so we’re keen to make sure they have access to
the right advice and support.”
