Are You at Risk of Online Fraud and Cyber Bullying?
As part of a small
business you know how important technology
and the internet are to modern business;
however, many small businesses are still
leaving themselves open to threats that
could severely damage them.
Avine McNally of the
Small Firms Association (SFA) has warned
small businesses that they are vulnerable
when online. “Firms are increasing their use
of information technology (IT) and the
internet on a daily basis, and while this
brings enormous benefits to the business,
firms must realise that they are vulnerable
when online. Businesses face a growing
problem over online crime, increased spam
and cyber bullying and many companies will
face future legal action if they fail to
have adequate safeguards in place to protect
their IT systems and staff from these
problems.”
In the past year, small firms have
increasingly become the victims of a range
of online crimes, including internet scams,
identity fraud, phishing and data theft.
“Small businesses need to be very vigilant
and tighten up their online security after a
recent UK study found that 44% of businesses
have been the victim of cyber crime, whilst
a recent SFA survey shows that over 5% of
respondents who trade or offer services on
the internet experience fraud”, commented
McNally. “The costs of these incidents
ranged up to €25,000 (about £18,500), which
highlights the potential exposure faced by
on line traders and users of internet
financial services.”
One of the biggest dangers for small
businesses is the threat of sudden spam
surges. ‘Spam spikes’, as these attacks are
known, occurs when individual domains are
aggressively targeted. These attacks can be
very threatening to small businesses in
particular, as their e-mail servers become
overloaded, preventing receipt of
communications and orders from customers.”
“As cyber crime becomes more sophisticated,
basic measures aren’t enough on their own -
it is crucial for businesses to take a
multi-layered security approach. They must
look at access control, data encryption and
secure password practices, as well as
looking at other measures such as staff
training,” McNally added.
A worrying trend is the increase of cyber
bullying where an individual is tormented,
threatened, harassed or bullied by another
using the Internet. This is a growing
problem and small firms are being warned
they must do more to combat this. “Companies
are easily exposed to claims of harassment
and bullying in the workplace, originating
in internet use and many employers are
unclear how to tackle cyber bullying because
it is a sensitive subject, and a relatively
new problem.
Under the Employment
Equality Acts, 1998 & 2004, awards can be
made up to two years remuneration, in the
case of a harassment claim, whilst
compensation in civil actions can be
unlimited, so these issues should be taken
very seriously by every business,” commented
McNally. “Companies should immediately
update or implement ‘Bullying & Harassment
Policies’ to take into account these newer
developments”.
“It is vital for all companies to assess the
risks that working online can cause. Firms
must have a multi-layered security approach
and minimise or remove threats by
instigating and enforcing an acceptable
e-mail and internet policy within their
organisation. The policy must clearly set
out rules for personal use and prohibit
access to offensive material.”
“Information technology and the internet are
key drivers of productivity and growth, but
small businesses must be also aware of the
potential dangers and address these in a
proactive manner to safeguard their
businesses and their employees”, McNally
concluded.
For more information on security and other
IT topics visit our Internet and Technology
section here.
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