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MP URGES STOCKPORT BUSINESSES TO STAY SAFE ONLINE

August 13, 2013 3:04 PM

Andrew Stunell MP has urged Stockport businesses not to fall victim to cyber crime. His call follows a survey by the Federation of Small Businesses showing one in five firms took no precautions at all, and over 40% had suffered cyber crimes in the last year.

The Federation of Small Businesses report shows that cyber crime costs its members nearly £800 million per year, an average £4,000 per business, as they fall victim to fraud and online crime.

Commenting, Andrew said -

"Cyber crime can be devastating for a small business, yet there are simple steps that can prevent it. The FSB's survey should be a wake-up call, and their top tips are an excellent tool for firms that aren't sure where to turn for advice, and set out clearly how to reduce the risks of operating online."

The 10 top tips for businesses are:

  1. Install multiple online security programmes.
  2. Carry out regular online security updates.
  3. Create a password policy (min eight characters, change regularly)
  4. Secure your wireless network
  5. Develop clear and concise procedures for email, internet and mobile devices
  6. Train staff in good security practices and consider employee background checks
  7. Implement and test backup plans.
  8. Carry out regular security risk assessments.
  9. Carry out regular security testing on the business website
  10. Check provider credentials and contracts when using cloud services

The FSB report shows that 41 per cent of their 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.

To find out more visit www.fsb.org.uk/fsb-survey-panel

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