Many owners of small and medium-sized businesses may be underestimating potential threats to computer security and putting their businesses at risk, a new QUT study has found.
The research, conducted by creative industries masters student Marcus Foth, analysed e-security in 100 Gold Coast businesses and found that only 41 per cent had e-security policies and procedures.
Mr Foth said many small to medium enterprise (SME) owners who completed his online survey rated risks such as virus attacks as "small to moderate" concerns.
Almost two thirds admitted they had not thought about how such threats could affect their business.
"Queensland relies on small and medium-sized organisations, as the majority of organisations in this state are SMEs," Mr Foth said.
"If these businesses are not protected from potential threats to electronic security, then Queensland is not protected."
Mr Foth said one in three businesses he surveyed was unprepared for the effect even traditional problems like power outages could have on their electronic systems.
"When there's a blackout, many SMEs like newsagents and shops are unable to trade, because their sales terminals rely on power," he said.
"This study is showing that while SMEs like to take advantage of e-business, they are not really prepared for the security issues that may result."
Mr Foth said many business were unprepared because they "fall between the cracks" in terms of their access to e-security services and information.
"E-security consultants and programs, though prolific, are often not accessible to SMEs for financial reasons, and because the products offered are aimed towards larger institutions," he said.
"I am recommending that the Commonwealth and State Governments should try to fill this gap by backing up their push towards e-business with workable security programs for SMEs."
Mr Foth said he would recommend that governments and industry associations offered incentives and rewards to SMEs that passed security audits and fulfilled Australian security standards.
His research, which was conducted in pilot form on the Gold Coast, was supported by the Information Industries Bureau and the Gold Coast City Council.
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For more information call Marcus Foth on call 0407 745 021 or email m.foth@qut.edu.au
