Security expert warns of web complacency

Small company owners and other computer users may be leaving their systems exposed through a degree of complacency, it has been suggested.

According to Tom Ilube, chief executive officer at online information firm Garlik, internet users have become increasingly slack about protecting themselves online, despite the threat from cybercriminals constantly evolving.

He noted that net fraudsters are "having it pretty easy at the moment" because as they use increasingly advanced techniques, consumers are failing to take the necessary steps to protect their data.

Mr Ilube said that in 2006 and 2007, when identity theft was a relatively fresh issue in the news, consumers absorbed the message that they must take precautions to defend themselves.

But while people were "doing the basics" then, he said, they now feel like the task has been completed and they are fully protected – but this is not the case.

Small business commentator Jennifer Walzer recently told the New York Times that effective business continuity strategies are essential for all firms, highlighting the benefits of data centre access through a managed services provider.

With theft and IT hardware failure among the threats, firms must take steps to ensure they are able to survive disasters and remain open for business, she stated.

Written by Tim Dunton