MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, Nov 16, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --

Symantec Corp. (NASDAQ: SYMC) today announced the findings of its 2011 SMB Threat Awareness Poll, which revealed that while awareness is high, SMBs don't consider themselves targets of cyberattacks. As a result, they are not implementing the proper safeguards to protect their information. The SMB Threat Awareness Poll examined the awareness levels of small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) regarding the dangers of security threats, and how well they are prepared to defend against them.

"Our research shows that SMBs are quite vulnerable to cyberattacks, and it's more important than ever for them to take steps to keep their information safe," said Steve Cullen, senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing for SMB and .Cloud for Symantec Corp. "Even with tight budgets and limited resources, simple changes such as education and best practices can significantly strengthen an SMB's security approach to cyberattacks."

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Survey Highlights

--  SMBs are familiar with security threats
     The survey shows that more
    than half of SMBs are familiar with many different security threats to
    the business, including targeted attacks, keystroke logging, and the
    risks that come with using smartphones for company business. More than
    half (54 percent) stated that malware would cause a loss of
    productivity, and 36 percent recognized that hackers could gain access
    to proprietary information. In addition, respondents said a targeted
    attack would impact the business. Forty-six percent stated that a
    targeted attack would cause a revenue loss and 20 percent said it
    would drive customers away.


--  SMBs don't see themselves as targets
     Surprisingly, although SMBs know
    the dangers of cyberattacks, they don't feel they are at risk. In
    fact, half of SMBs think that because they are a small company, they
    aren't in danger -- it's primarily large enterprises that have to
    worry about attacks. This is in direct contrast to the evidence.
    According to data from Symantec.cloud, since the beginning of 2010, 40
    percent of all targeted attacks have been directed at companies with
    fewer than 500 employees, compared to only 28 percent directed at
    large enterprises.


--  SMBs not taking action
     Because SMBs don't see themselves as targets,
    many of them are failing to take basic precautions to protect their
    information. While two-thirds restrict who has login information, a
    shocking 63 percent don't secure machines used for online banking and
    9 percent don't take any additional precautions for online banking.
    More than half (61 percent) don't use antivirus on all desktops, and
    47 percent don't use security on mail servers/services.

Recommendations

In order to keep sensitive corporate information safe, there are several simple practices SMBs can follow to protect against cyberattacks.

--  Educate employees: Develop Internet security guidelines and educate
    employees about Internet safety, security and the latest threats. Part
    of the training should focus on the importance of regularly changing
    passwords and protecting mobile devices.


--  Assess your security status: SMBs are facing increased risks to their
    confidential information, so safeguarding data is critical. One data
    breach could mean financial ruin for an SMB. Know what you need to
    protect. It's important to understand your risks and security gaps so
    that you can take steps to protect your information.


--  Take action: Be proactive and develop a security plan. Consider items
    such as password policies, endpoint protection, the security of email
    and Web assets, and encryption. You should also evaluate whether
    on-premise or a hosted service would best suit the needs of your
    organization.

Symantec's 2011 SMB Threat Awareness Poll Applied Research fielded this survey by telephone in September 2011. They spoke with 1,900 organizations worldwide. Of the organizations surveyed, 25 percent came from businesses with 5 to 49 employees, 25 percent came from businesses with 50 to 99 employees, 25 percent came from businesses with 100 to 249 employees, and 25 percent came from businesses with 250 to 499 employees. In all cases they spoke to the person who managed their computing resources.

Resources

--  Report: SMB Threat Awareness Poll Global Results 2011
--  SlideShare: SMB Threat Awareness Poll Global Results 2011

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--  Visit Symantec Connect Business Community

About Symantec Symantec is a global leader in providing security, storage and systems management solutions to help consumers and organizations secure and manage their information-driven world. Our software and services protect against more risks at more points, more completely and efficiently, enabling confidence wherever information is used or stored. More information is available at www.symantec.com.

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CONTACT:
Chris Halcon
Symantec Corp.
+1 (650) 224-8941
chris_halcon@symantec.com

Sherri Walkenhorst
Connect Public Relations
+1 (801) 373-7888
sherriw@connectpr.com

SOURCE: Symantec

mailto:chris_halcon@symantec.com
mailto:sherriw@connectpr.com