SMEs 'should' ensure they are protected online

Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should ensure they are protected when using the internet, an expert has claimed.

According to comments made by Tony Neate, managing director of internet-orientated initiative Get Safe Online, SMEs should ensure their anti-spyware and virus protection software is regularly updated.

Among the participants of the Get Safe Online initiative are the Serious Organised Crime Agency and the government.

"If companies are involved in transacting or advertising online, they will maybe need to take more action in terms of getting third party security," said Mr Neate.

"It all depends on how much you are doing on the internet and how much you depend on it as part of your everyday work," he added.

Indeed, 44 per cent of UK-based SMEs have fallen victim to criminal activity over the internet, according to a report published by Get Safe Online in June 2007.