Most SMBs Exposed to Internet Security Threats

CRAWLEY, U.K. -- Webroot Software, Inc., a leading provider of Internet security software for the consumer, enterprise and SME markets, today unveiled its latest report, "State of Internet Security: Protecting Small and Medium Businesses". The report highlights startling survey results surrounding Internet security threats among SMEs worldwide. In conjunction with the report, Webroot has released a handbook for SMEs, "A Guide to Security for Small & Medium Business" that provides tips and best practices for protecting technology infrastructure and sensitive customer data from malware and cyber criminals.

"Unlike larger corporations, SMEs often lack the monetary resources and IT expertise to install and maintain the type of protection needed in the face of today's growing malware threats. The real dichotomy here is that most of these companies think the real threats are viruses and worms, but the reality is the percentage of spyware is much higher and growing quickly,"said Peter Watkins, CEO, Webroot Software. "As a result, these companies are easier targets for cyber criminals when compared to larger companies with dedicated IT security resources."

Consistent around the world, SMEs make up the overwhelming majority of the world's business landscape, totaling more than 99.5 percent of all businesses in each country surveyed and representing more than 50 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in each country. Because of the sheer number of SMEs worldwide, they are easy for criminals to find and have several consistent internal attributes that heighten their Internet security risk including:

According to the report released by Webroot, SMEs are increasingly connected in order to do business, but there are a number of other factors impacting their IT security including:

"We're seeing a perfect storm developing that could possibly have serious economic impact. SMEs are heavily reliant on the Internet for their work, making them a target. Compounding matters, there has been a 183 percent increase in Websites harboring spyware since January 2007, and SMEs aren't defending themselves adequately," added Watkins. "Given that these companies are the lifeblood of the world's leading economies in both revenue generation and employment, we have a situation that could expose both businesses and customers to a very real, significant and growing threat on a global basis."

Webroot Software Inc.