The following article was published in the Birmingham Mail, February 2010.

SMEs in the Midlands are at risk of compromising their security, data and reputation through weaknesses such as unsecured ADSL internet connections.

One of the business benefits of ADSL is the constant live internet connection it offers. However, an unsecured constant connection offers the easiest route in for hackers 24-7.

Unsecured ADSL connections allow cyber criminals to use SMEs as pawns in their illegal games. Computers can be hijacked and used to attack other machines, causing major disruption to other internet sites, users and email inboxes.

Cyber-criminals are able to hide their identity using the hijacked computer with the finger of blame pointing solely at the SME and the employee whose machine has been infiltrated.

The destruction of programmes and software, changing or removing of data and the recovering of reputation with clients and wider audience are the reality SMEs could face.

SMEs without a fixed-rate contract with their Internet Service Provider will also feel the pinch when the invoice for their internet use comes through at an alarmingly elevated level.

SMEs should make it a priority to protect their ADSL connection with an additional Firewall. Most ADSL routers come with internal Firewalls, but these are only as good as the money you spend on them.

For further information, please contact us on 0121 248 7931.

2010-03-23 (LM)