Small businesses left vulnerable to virus attacks

As the new Sasser virus does the rounds, research shows almost two-thirds of the country's small businesses have been the victim of a malicious online attack. Sixty-three per cent have been affected by computer viruses, according to a survey last month by the Employers and Manufacturers Association for information security company Symantec. The survey showed internet security and virus protection were the most common IT concerns among small businesses, followed by the cost of licences, upgrades, and hardware.

"It is not surprising that small businesses are very concerned about malicious code and internet security as virus writers and hackers become more prolific and more sophisticated," said Richard Batchelar, Symantec's New Zealand country manager.

"With limited resources and smaller budgets than larger organisations, small businesses can be particularly vulnerable to internet threats and often lack the appropriate protection."

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