Markel Direct, a specialist insurer for small businesses, conducted a study that revealed nearly one-fourth of SMEs were concerned about the security of remote working environments.
In the survey, 500 SME owners were asked to describe their challenges in cyber security. The results showed that 23% of SMEs are concerned about remote working. The survey found that it ranked second in the list for SMEs’ future cyber security concerns.
In response to the question of how remote workers can ensure that company data is secure when it’s accessed from employees at home, a majority (52%) responded by using virtual private networks (VPNs). 48% trained their employees in secure remote working practices, and 46% had remote access policies and controls.
Nearly 50% of SMEs do not know what to perform in the event of a Cyber Attack
According to the study, 49% of SMEs would not know what to do if their business suffered a cyber attack and 69% did not have a policy for cyber security in place.
Despite this, most UK SMEs are taking some proactive measures to prevent cyber-attacks, with 72% having invested in antivirus/anti-malware software. Almost seven out of ten UK SMEs regularly update their software (69%) while 52% use multi-factor authentication.
How UK SMEs face cyber threats
| Preventing cyber-attacks | % SMEs that have these measures in place |
| Have antivirus/anti-malware software | 72% |
| Update your system software regularly | 69% |
| Update your IT systems | 53% |
| Use two-factor or multi-factor authentication | 52% |
| Filtering spam and phishing email | 49% |
| Staff Training | 49% |
| Use a Firewall | 47% |
| Secure Wi-Fi networks | 46% |
| Conduct regular data backups | 46% |
| Data encryption | 44% |
| Encourage your employees to update their passwords | 35% |
There is still more to be done. 43% of respondents said their employees were not properly trained in best practices or potential threats. Over half (53%) did not have cyber insurance for a possible breach. This leaves their business vulnerable.
Rob Rees is the Divisional Director at Markel Direct. He said, “Staying on top of cyber threats, especially with AI-driven attacks continuing to evolve, is essential for small business owners.” Cyber insurance and a strong cyber security policy can protect your business from targeted attacks.
Nearly half of SMEs said they didn’t know what to do if they were attacked by a cyber-attack. This can be crucial to minimizing the impact. Markel Direct policyholders have access to a cyber-response helpline, so they can get expert advice in the event of a cyber-security incident.
The original version of this article A new study shows that nearly 1 in 4 UK SME’s identify remote working as their top concern when it comes to cybersecurity appeared first on Human Resources News.
