SMEs hear a lot about protecting their data from external threats, but it seems they are blissfully unaware of just how fast-changing the security landscape is. A recent survey reinforced the impression that SME security is stuck in the dark ages, with most respondents under the impression that spam remains the number one security risk to their business.

While spam is a nuisance, 21st century threats such as spyware, phishing and crimeware can pose a greater threat to a firm’s livelihood. In addition, most small businesses are reactive and ad hoc in their approach to security and are consequently an easy target for threats such as ransomware.

SMEs worldwide will spend about $11.4bn on IT security during 2006, according to a report issued in the summer by analyst firm AMI-Partners. The expenditure will represent a 23 per cent increase from 2005, when SMEs shelled out an estimated $9.3bn on security products. And the trend shows no sign of slowing: AMI-Partners projects double-digit annual increases in security spending by SMEs for the next several years.

According to most trade journals today, resellers should be seeking to reposition themselves as consultants. It is an easy assertion to make, but at times it is difficult to comprehend how exactly this transformation is supposed to take place in practice.

However, when it comes to security the clear disparity between perception and reality among SMEs demonstrates a practical opportunity for resellers to step into this role, and go the extra mile in providing true business value to customers.

Small businesses suffer similar consequences to larger organisations when it comes to security and should have appropriate protection in place around the clock. What they need is a ‘set and forget’ solution that provides peace of mind and allows them to concentrate on what they do best. The re-invention of web filtering for security, with real-time updates made as soon as a new threat is identified, is one such innovation – making security simple for the SME.

There are some compelling reasons for resellers to target the SME market. Medium-sized organisations are in a position to make those all-important vital technical and purchasing decisions rapidly. Fewer individuals are involved in the decision-making process, so they can reach their final conclusions without the requirement for multiple meetings. Resellers with the expertise to properly educate and inform their customers already have half their work done.