Poor IT habits putting one in 10 SMEs at risk

New research has revealed that 10 per cent of small business owners show a significant lapse in data security and ignore basic data protection rules.

The survey, conducted by YouGov for software developer Reckon, questioned 1198 small business directors and found that 10 per cent of small business owners and employees regularly share confidential files on personal devices or send documents to personal rather than work emails, while 25 per cent save documents onto their desktops rather than onto a central server.

Reckon’s survey found that the same 10 per cent of larger businesses, with a turnover if £10 million or more, also sent documents to personal devices and a third saved documents on desktops rather than central servers.

This may be due to ease of access when working remotely and keeping documents to hand rather than sorting through mismanaged folders, but breaches basic data security guidelines and puts confidential information at risk of hacks or unauthorised use.

Mark Woolley, commercial director for Reckon Software’s Virtual Cabinet, said: “It’s truly concerning that so many SMEs here in the UK are ignoring basic data protection rules. The findings are especially worrying where SME owners are involved, as they are placing their own business’ sensitive information at risk. Incorrectly managing data and information in this way can pose financial, reputational and security issues to a business; something that no business owner wants to have to deal with.

“Bad habits can easily stick, particularly amongst teams within businesses where there aren’t clear policies around data security. I’d urge new businesses to set guidelines around working with documents and emails at the outset in order to give themselves a headstart when it comes to keeping information safe. Businesses should also consider that new legislation such as the General Data Production Regulation will incorporate additional data security into law, making adhering to basic practices of vital importance.”