22 June 2012

New IT security guide for small businesses is launched

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has launched a new IT security guide for small and medium-sized businesses.

The guide contains a series of clear and practical steps aimed at helping firms to make their IT systems secure.

Topics covered by the guide include physical security, anti-virus software and employee awareness.

Information Commissioner Christopher Graham said, ‘Smaller enterprises often tell us that they would benefit from simple and clear advice specifically designed for them’.

‘This guide aims to support these companies by providing a starting point and recommendations that cost little to adopt, but can significantly reduce the risks of a serious data loss and the reputational and financial damage that can result.’

Businesses that encounter a serious data breach could face penalties of up to £500,000.

The Federation of Small Businesses welcomed the guide, commenting, ‘Good IT and data security should be part and parcel of good business practice and businesses should think about the simple steps that they can put in place to achieve this’.

The guide is available via the ICO website: www.ico.gov.uk.

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