SMB security lacks board-level awareness and BYOD provision, says Streamwire
Hackers "face less resistance" in SMB networks, warns COO Kevin Timms
IT managed services firm Streamwire has made a damning statement against SMBs, accusing smaller firms of "keep[ing] basic systems functioning, rather than understanding the cyber security threat".
COO Kevin Timms suggested a "general lack of awareness at the board level" as well as the ongoing dangers of BYOD are "the primary issues that need to be tackled in 2017".
All these issues, said Timms, leaves SMBs hugely under threat:
"SMBs [have] become highly susceptible to cyber breaches as hackers face less resistance in compromising systems and stealing valuable data. Increasing understanding throughout the hierarchy of an organisation and avoiding relying exclusively on outsourcing their security to a third-party can offer an initial stepping stone in improving cyber security in 2017."
Timms cites a 2017 report by Tenable Network Security that suggests UK security professionals' confidence in accurately assessing cyber risks has dropped from 73 per cent to 59 per cent when compared to 2016, with "low security awareness" and "lack of network visibility" due to BYOD factoring highly in these findings.
Timms uses this research to suggest that SMBs may "seek innovative approaches such as BYOD practices to help stand out from the crowd", but don't have the understanding or resources to properly secure the devices.
"With constant threats lurking around the corner, organisations must be quick to understand the cyber security issues facing them, otherwise they could see systems breached or even having customers look elsewhere to better cater for their security needs," said Timms.
"Cyber security is an issue that is here to stay and addressing SMBs innovative approaches to businesses will play a significant role in helping increase confidence in cyber security."