Small businesses in Australia need to step up internet security

While more information is going online than ever, it seems as though many businesses in Australia have fallen behind in their internet security precautions.

While more information is going online than ever, it seems as though many businesses in Australia have fallen behind in their internet security precautions. A report from the Australian Institute of Criminology said 16 percent of small businesses don't use antivirus software and 30 percent don't use a firewall.

Australian Attorney General Nicola Roxon said small businesses can't function without the internet and need to keep this in mind when investing in security.

"So it's important small businesses can identify threats and can put in place measures to protect themselves and their customers,'' Roxon said.

Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said cyber attacks can seriously affect Australian small businesses, which make up 95 percent of all business on the continent. About 70 percent of businesses were using firewalls, a number that should be increased for more thorough protection.

The majority of these small businesses in Australia are sole operators, with 62.7 percent of companies having no employees. These companies need to rely on internet security to help keep things in line.

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