SAFEGUARDS

Safeguards

Safeguards

An assessment of the security life-cycle of small businesses

When it comes to data and information security, small businesses tend to invest little on establishing a strong data security system that thwarts online attacks by hackers, spammers etc. The data security system of a small business is not very sophisticated or efficient, particularly when compared with those of larger businesses (Umar, 2004). Most small businesses maintain a medium level security system where critical data is copied and stored in a backup drive where it can be accessed if the need arises. However, this means that practically no measures are taken in order to prevent or thwart a cyber attack (Umar, 2004). In fact, the only measures that small businesses take to protect data from hackers and spammers are related to anti-spamming and anti-hacking software programs. Backed up data can then be used by the computer in the event of a cyber attack.

Why small businesses have failed to detect intrusions

There are a number of reasons why small businesses have failed to successfully detect intrusions from hackers and spammers. One of the main reasons is, however, is that the cyber attackers is become more and more sophisticated as they have used newer means to intrude into the security (Katsikas et al., 2010). Complex software applications have also facilitated the attempts of cyber attackers and these have area mainly available in the market for a very cheap price. As a result, the army of people willing to conduct cyber attacks has grown significantly. Therefore, there have been more and more cyber attacks on small businesses which are ill-prepared against them. Another reason why small businesses have mainly failed to detect intrusions from online users is that sophisticated software applications have made it easier for users to hide their identity during the hacking process (Katsikas ...