Computer security breaches cost business $600 million

Computer security breaches are costing Australian businesses more than $600 million dollars a year, according to a recent survey by the Institute of Criminology.

The Institute’s survey of 4,000 small, medium and large businesses found that although 85 percent used computer security software, 14 percent were affected by breaches in 2007.

Institute criminologist, Dr Russell Smith said the most common threats involved viruses, spyware and phishing which often lead to the corruption of software or hardware.

Dr Smith said the attacks were “non-discriminating” with incidences across all businesses regardless of size or sector. However, as small businesses don’t always enjoy the same comprehensive security measures as larger businesses, they may not be able to detect and protect themselves from the more serious crime implications associated with computer security incidences.

Dr Smith added that small businesses must take steps to ensure they know what they are doing when it comes to online protection and to make use of the available security measures out there.

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