We live our lives online. The number of internet users worldwide will surpass 3 billion in 2015, according to new figures from eMarketer, increasing 6.2% next year to reach 42.4% of the entire world's population.
Mobile phones and mobile broadband connections are driving internet access globally and increasing usage in countries where fixed internet has been out of reach for consumers.
The average British household now owns 7.4 internet devices, with four out of 10 households buying a tablet in the last year, according to the Guardian newspaper.
For small and medium sized companies, protecting their intellectual property and revenue streams has become even more important. Misunderstanding the threat posed by cyber crime and falling for some of the common misconceptions around cyber security, leaves SMEs vulnerable to losing information, valuable data, profit and customers. Underestimating the risks of cyber crime can potentially leave SMEs vulnerable to attack – with far reaching consequences to financial circumstances and reputation.
Is cyber security a top priority for your business? Do you consider your business to be vulnerable? Exploring the future of internet security and the threat that the cyber landscape poses in the next five years, the Inquirer highlights the necessity to protect yourself. “It's now not a matter of if your company will get breached, but when, and what can be done to try and prevent the inevitable.”
According to comments from the Government in a Telegraph article, a third of small businesses suffered a cyber attack from someone outside their business last year. The average cost of a major security breach is between £65,000 and £115,000 and can result in a business being put out of action for up to 10 days, government figures estimate.
Enterprise Europe Network can help you to understand the threats and how to protect yourself against them. As part of its Seminar “IP and Cyber Security – How to Protect Yourself” on the 3rd December at St John’s Innovation Centre” , Phil Cobley, Regional Cyber Protect Coordinator will outline the risks businesses are now facing and explain how the Cyber Crime Unit is responding to this ever growing threat.
He said: "Cyber crime is a complex and ever-growing issue, with consequences for businesses ranging from compromising sensitive data to serious financial blows. Thankfully, our regional team is at the forefront of the ever-changing digital landscape and we are constantly horizon-scanning to identify what could be next around the corner, so that we can help businesses and individuals alike prepare for it. There are simple tips any businesses can follow to beat the cyber criminals, and as we all know, prevention is better than cure.”
The seminar also talks about protecting your intellectual property. If you have a new idea, product, service or process that you are ready to take to market, Enterprise Europe Network can help you work out how best to protect your firm’s ideas and technologies. It can offer initial advice and then put you in touch with the right intellectual property experts for your particular field - as well as lawyers and other relevant organisations.
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