Cleveland Small Business Owners Earn Kudos for Protecting Their Digital Assets.

Geek Squad Survey Reveals Most Have Taken Steps to Avoid Tech Emergencies

CLEVELAND -- Cleveland small business owners possess a high level of responsibility when it comes to managing their PC-based business data, according to a data security survey commissioned by national tech support task force Geek Squad. More than 70% of owners of businesses with 10 or fewer employees claim to back up their data to a separate drive or computer, and nearly 90% use virus and malware protection.

These basic moves reflect small businesses' growing dependence on technology and the comparatively high price of data loss. Regardless of the specific business they were in, respondents to the Geek Squad survey noted that loss of data would cost them more than $7,400 on average.

"The truth is, there's always more that small business owners can do," says Cleveland-based Geek Squad Agent Derek Meister, who makes emergency service calls to small businesses in the area. Agent Meister cited three steps small businesses can take to ensure they're prepared to avoid potential tech emergencies:

1. Your technology should receive regular check-ups like you do... or should do. "Run hardware and software diagnostics to catch failing hard drives before they're lost and malicious software before they invite their friends into your data."

2. Implement a data backup solution. "This is one of the biggest tips I give to everyone I service, but small business owners in particular. I've had way too many diagnostic calls where I discover the issue is a hard drive that's not only died, but has taken every financial record the client kept with it."

3. Don't forget to regularly update your antivirus and antispyware protection. "Spyware, adware, viruses and Trojans make the investment of antivirus and software with installs a small one compared to the potential losses should that information become inaccessible, or worse, given access to by key loggers and root kits."

According to Agent Meister, "it's sometimes the most simplest of things" that can cause a small business to shut down for hours or even days.

"We're finding a lot of small businesses in the area are calling at 3 a.m. to deal with a virus or adware that was picked up when their staffs were surfing the Internet during downtime," he added. "The calls involve late hours and plenty of work to get rid of the malicious software, but ultimately, they're very rewarding. Civilians are extremely thankful that they can save even a day of downtime, which can kill a small business."

Geek Squad currently offers expedited service for small businesses in the Cleveland market including:

* Base: Agent there within 2 days during regular business hours; no additional charge

* Premium: Agent there within 1 day during regular business hours; additional charge

* Emergency: Agent there within 3 hours any time day or night; additional charge

Agent Meister has seen a variety of clients who own or work for small businesses. "I see everything from housewives who use their computers for an affiliate program like Homemade Gourmet, parents who telecommute so they can spend more time with their kids, or stock traders for whom the computer and Internet connection is their lifeblood."

In addition to responding to tech emergencies, Geek Squad can also help small businesses set-up automatic/manual backup via external devices or online, spyware/virus removal, WiFi network install or help with a software/hardware installation.

Geek Squad helps civilians and small businesses with their technology, whether it's a PC, wireless network or server. Call 1.800 GEEK SQUAD to set up an onsite consultation, find a location near you at www.geeksquad.com, or visit the Geek Squad Precinct at Best Buy and other locations to speak with an Agent directly. We provide our services wherever and whenever you need them - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

About the Geek Squad Data Security Survey:

Conducted by Braun Research, the data security survey was done by phone Jan. 27-30, 2008, with 200 Cleveland-based owners and managers of small businesses employing 10 or fewer people.