The latest study from Symantec on Information Protection shows that data loss and the threat of cyber attacks has hit the number one spot on the SMB whiteboards around the world.
Three of four of SMBs surveyed are somewhat/extremely concerned about losing electronic information. In fact, 42 percent have lost confidential information (bank account numbers, credit card information and customer and employee records) in the past leading to lost revenue, productivity and other financial costs.
Lost devices such as laptops, smartphones or iPads with no password protection remains a huge problem. Quite alarming is that 73 percent of the respondents were victims of cyber attacks in the past year, with 30 percent of attacks deemed successful. That's enough to call the insurance people and bump up to the premium plan or at the very least get employees up to speed on the latest safeguards.
SMBs are now spending an average of $51,000 a year to protect information. Granted, that may not be much to larger organizations with hundreds of employees but remember many of the SMBs surveyed have just over 10 or more on staff. It's interesting to note that two thirds of IT staff time, is spent on tasks that include computer security, backup, recovery and archiving as well as disaster preparedness.
The 2010 Global SMB Information Protection Survey queried 2,152 small and mid-sized businesses in 28 countries and reflects opinions from owners, managers, IT staff and consultants.
What's the data center of the future going to look like?
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