IT warning on e-crime; COMPUTERS: Electronic fraud 'too easy'.

Byline: By Jon Griffin

THOUSANDS of small to medium-sized Midland businesses are putting their futures at risk by failing to take steps to combat e-crime, it is claimed.

SMEs across the region are least likely to take steps to address the threat of computer crime, according to Birmingham-based IT service and support provider Icomm Technologies.

The warning follows a report from the DTI which revealed that only one per cent of companies nationwide are taking necessary measures to prevent computer fraud.

Ian Callens of Icomm said: "On a daily basis we identify and listen to a myriad of issues faced by SMEs.

"The single biggest area where they continue to fall down is not introducing measures to combat electronic crimes.

"Many small businesses will admit they are passive about the threat of e-crime because of costs associated with implementing safeguards and the perception that computer hackers and other threats are far more likely to pick on bigger companies.

"Perhaps more importantly though, they're also unaware that their own employees can cause a significant threat as it's them who typically have access to personal computers and networks, and know precisely what business information is valuable and where to find it."

Mr Callens urged SMEs to take a series of preventive measures to guard against e-criminals.

"Beyond implementing high value systems that only the largest organisations can afford, SMEs can go a long way to helping themselves.

"Firstly, ensure your firewall and anti-virus software is up to d14ate. Insist that employees change passwords on a regular basis, perhaps suggesting a monthly date when staff can collectively do this.

"Urge employees to log off when away from their desks. Avoid spam e-mail and don't get distracted by it. Just hit the delete key."

Icomm is now offering local businesses free system health checks to help guard against e-criminals.