Survey: 24 Percent Of Small Business Owners Unconcerned About Online Data Security

  • Dec 06, 2007

AT&T has announced that although the majority of small businesses secure its computer systems, one-fourth (24 percent) are unconcerned about computer and online data security, and one in 10 (10 percent) has taken no action to secure their data, according to a survey conducted by AT&T Inc.

Similarly, one-third (32 percent) of small businesses are unconcerned about wireless data security, and one in six (17 percent) small businesses that use wireless technology has taken no precautions against wireless threats.

Nearly two-thirds (60 percent) of small businesses consider online security a concern, and four-fifths (82 percent) have installed software, such as spam filters or anti-virus protection, to help keep their business safe from online security threats. Of those companies that have not taken any specific precautions against computer or wireless threats, two-thirds (65 percent) don't think it's an issue with their business.

According to Ray Boggs, vice president of small/medium business research at market research firm IDC, small businesses don't usually see themselves as online security targets.

"These are cases in which ignorance is not bliss," Boggs said. "Threats are now highly automated and impersonal. Being small doesn't make you less vulnerable. You may be less visible than a big bank or government agency, but you still can be undermined by the bad guys."

"The survey shows that there are still many businesses that don't understand the threats that exist, the impact these threats could have on their business and livelihood, and the easy ways they can guard against them and protect their companies," said John Regan, vice president, Business Marketing for AT&T. "Small businesses depend more and more on computers and communications technology, and they need to understand how they can protect those systems, whether from a virus or other man-made attack or from a natural disaster."

When asked about the importance of recovering computer data in the event of a disaster, two-thirds (65 percent) said it is extremely important. More than nine of 10 (93 percent) small businesses back up their data, with almost half (47 percent) doing so at least once a day and almost three-fourths (72 percent) backing up their data at least weekly.

Many small businesses consider computer security important enough to make it an official job responsibility -- almost one-third (29 percent) of small businesses have an employee who handles computer security as part of his or her job, and one-fourth (24 percent) of small businesses have hired an outside consultant to handle security.

Although three-fourths (73 percent) back up their data on-site using CDs, hard drives or other devices, only 7 percent of small businesses use the Internet or another computer network to send data to a remote location. In addition, three-fourths (78 percent) of small businesses said it's important for their business to recover computer data in the event of a disaster.

"The fact that so few small businesses back up their data remotely is surprising because so many companies recognize the importance of protecting their data," said IDC's Boggs. "It's like flossing your teeth -- people, including me, know they should but just don't do it regularly. The key is to make the process routine, automatic, convenient and painless."

Of those small businesses that have not taken specific steps to backup data, two-thirds (63 percent) don't think it's an issue with their business. Two percent didn't know they should take any precautions.

The markets surveyed varied on the importance and application of data-protection technology. Based on responses to six questions focusing on wireless and online data and backup security, each of the 10 participating markets were ranked according to the level of activity in initiating wireless and online data security and backup measures. Each component was weighted in the market rankings, which follow in order of most protective to least protective:

1. San Diego
2. Chicago
3. Atlanta
4. Charlotte
5. Connecticut
6. Milwaukee
7. Detroit
8. Dallas
9. Bay Area
10. Oklahoma

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.