It’s been said time and time again – keeping antivirus software up to date is of the utmost importance for businesses. In marketing, it’s especially crucial to ensure that your network is secure, as the possibility that client or personal business information might get snatched up by hackers is simply too real to ignore. Recent information, however, shows that companies of all kinds are allowing their security to be compromised, and it’s an issue that could potentially cause a great deal of harm to the small business community.
According to ItProPortal, as many as 92% of businesses in the IT and security field aren’t using up-to-date antivirus software to keep their computer systems secure. It’s an alarming situation, as 2013 has been somewhat of a banner year for hackers and those trying to thwart security. Even well-known celebrities (including Michelle Obama) have recently seen the ugly sides of what hackers are capable of, making it all the more apparent just how crucial it is for a business to protect itself.
Potential Reasoning
Understanding why so many businesses aren’t taking the importance of server security to heart isn’t easy, but there are a variety of factors that come into play here. For one, many business owners are simply unaware of the potential dangers that can come along with using out-of-date antivirus software. They may believe that they’re safe because they are running an antivirus program, yet the fact remains that such software is virtually useless if it is not equipped to deal with the latest threats. It doesn’t all have to do with a lack of knowledge and information about the topic of Internet security, however. Some businesses feel that they need to cut as many corners as necessary in order to stay afloat, and spending money on new antivirus software is something they simply cannot afford to do.
Another thing that often comes into play for small business owners is that they’re outsourcing their IT out to companies that aren’t doing the job they’re supposed to be doing. Poor IT consultants can not only cause more harm than good, but if they aren’t using updated antivirus software, they’re putting the information of their clients at risk. Most people assume when working with such businesses that they’re getting the best protection possible, but it’s important to take the time to research an IT company before deciding to work with them.
Keeping a Business Protected
News such as this is enough to make any logical business owner consider what they could be doing to better protect their information. Keeping a business protected takes a lot of time and energy, though, which is why many companies choose to hire professionals to handle their IT, so long as you’ve taken the time to verify that they are taking the ultimate precautions. Outsourcing can seem costly, but it’s more than worth it for businesses to take their security seriously. For those who would prefer to take things into their own hand, it’s wise to purchase the latest antivirus software. Even if there’s a high initial cost involved, it’ll pay for itself over time.
