Tag Archives: SMB

AVG

4 Tips for Successful Online Sales over the Holiday Season

Leave a comment

Christmas is nearly upon us, but is your website ready to make the most of it? In fact, let’s go one step further: are is your website, social media and IT systems all singing the same song?

Preparation and a co-ordinated set up is essential if you’re going to make the most out of any uplift in customer attention and desire to buy from small businesses instead of the big brands.

You can have a killer website but if your social media channels aren’t up-to-date too then you’ll look behind the times and disorganised.  If your IT systems that enable you to take, process, and dispatch orders aren’t up to scratch, then any online sales you do make might go to waste.

The web is available 24/7/365 – this is as level a playing field as it gets for small business, especially when advertising and marketing budgets don’t match those of the large and well established brands.

Customers can be fickle and have short attention spans too, hopping from website to website in a matter of seconds if they don’t see what they’re looking for. This is the same for all businesses, but it underlines the importance of having everything ready, up to date and aligned.

Here are four things you can do to make the most of the holiday season for your small business online:

1. Have a dedicated webpage and keep it live all year round
Have a dedicated web page on your site for popular sales events like Small Business Saturday, Black Friday and Cyber Monday… and keep it live all year round! That might sound counter-intuitive when we’re only talking about one day in the year, but there’s a very good reason you should do this. Once a web page is live it’s far easier to manage: the basic structure can stay the same even if the copy and imagery change. Plus, people don’t always follow the rules when it comes to searching for offers and deals online – they’ll start searching for them whenever the mood takes them, wherever they happen to be. As recent research reveals, when people start looking for information about a purchase, they could be doing it using a mobile on the train, a desktop PC at work, or a tablet when they’re snuggled up in bed.

For example, If they start searching for details about Small Business Saturday in September and October – as Google search data shows – then having your web page already live will allow people to find you. Currys use this tactic with their Black Friday web page.

If you take down your page after the event, then search engines won’t be able to show it to customers whenever they start searching for it next year. They’ll draw a blank and you’ll be starting from square one all over again. Why shoot yourself in the foot? Competition for online orders is tough enough as it is.


2. Facebook is a great starting point for a conversation
“Like” it or not, Facebook is a force to be reckoned with. 84% of internet users between the age of 35-44 are on at least one Facebook service, meaning Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram or WhatsApp. That figure goes up to a whopping 90% for 16-24 year-olds. This is where your customers – existing and future – are likely to be spending a lot of their social media time, so if you’re not on there, they won’t see you.

Make sure you’ve set up a Facebook business page. They won’t want to see a constant stream of sales related messages though. Imagine your business page to be a little bit like your personal Facebook page: it should express the everyday goings on and personality of your business. And in between those posts, you can publish business event or sales related messages. If you’re short on ideas, have a look at how other small businesses have used Facebook to grow their business.


3. Make sure your IT system is safe and secure
If it’s the one day in the year you definitely don’t want to be hacked it’s when you’ve just taken a large number of online orders. We can all remember the Ashley Madison scandal and countless other big brands being hacked and losing customer data over the years. A survey of UK businesses conducted this year also reveals nearly nine out of 10 large businesses said they had suffered some form of information security breach in the last year. Don’t be fooled into thinking it can’t happen to a small business. Hackers – and the viruses they release into the world – will target anyone they think might have weak website security.


4. Ask the experts
If you are concerned your ecommerce and supporting IT system aren’t as secure or co-ordinated as they could be, ask for help. There’s a whole host of free resources for small businesses all over the web to help you understand how healthy and secure your IT system is. For example, AVG’s free IT Security Health Check is a good place to start if you’re not an expert with little time on your hands. It’s short and sweet and offers straightforward tips for how to improve your IT security. The UK government is also offering Innovation Vouchers worth £5,000. These can be used to pay for advice which will help protect and grow your business by having good cyber security in place.

 

At the end of the day

Gearing up your website, social media and IT systems to make the most out of the holidays is only half the battle. Making sure they stay safe and secure, and continue to serve you and your customers well, is the other half.

AVG

AVG Business strengthens team with new General Manager

Leave a comment

With more than 20 years of industry experience and an impressive track record building high-performing SMB sales and marketing teams, Fred will be a valuable asset to our AVG Business team as we accelerate our business to effectively support our channel partners and their SMB customers, in 2016 and beyond.

Through Fred’s vision and direction, we will offer more flexibility, more value and more ways for our partners and their clients to succeed. A core part of this will be building strong relationships with our channel partners and providing a full suite of managed services and security solutions, with simplicity in mind, and with the business, marketing and technical training to deliver excellent service for their SMB customers.

In this role, Fred will be drawing on his extensive channel, solutions selling, cloud computing and managed service experience, while working closely with our partners to respond to their challenges and equip them for success.

Before joining AVG, Fred spent eight years at Cisco Systems, where he held roles as Director of Partner Organization & Commercial Business in the Netherlands and Northern Europe. He has also had leadership positions at Copaco, one of the largest ICT distributors in the Netherlands, and Compaq Computers.

We wish Fred a warm welcome as we continue to stay strong behind our vision and strategy of being the Online Security Company offering integrated and easy-to-use security services for our channel partners and their SMB customers, with the reassurance that their applications and data are protected on any devices anytime, anywhere.

We look forward to sharing updates as we head into this exciting next phase together.

AVG

Position your managed services business for success

Leave a comment

It has been a busy time at AVG Business with our recent product releases and there is still more to come.  As we roll out new tools and services, your feedback continues to be critical.  Insight and comments from our channel partners and their clients help us continually raise the bar for security and managed IT business solutions.

So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Starting with our latest release of AVG Managed Workplace®, we’ve delivered the advantages of premium remote control at no additional cost and remote monitoring and management all in one platform.

We haven’t stopped there. Weeks later, we introduced our new, enterprise-class business security products that feature advanced protection. Last month, AVG also received a 100% detection rating of real-world malware and 100% detection of widespread malware from the Independent IT Security Institute, AV-TEST.  Our business security products are based on this same AVG engine.  This ‘double 100%’ result from AV-TEST demonstrates that our products are protecting SMBs without compromise whether the threat is new or a known malware variant that is widespread.

They say that good things come in threes, and now we’ve rolled out new onboarding training and support to help new partners get up to speed right away and established partners continue to drive growth for their managed services business.

The simple-to-follow onboarding services can be accessed through our partner portal, which was recently upgraded with a brand new user interface and easier navigation to give partners quicker access to the technology and knowledge they need to succeed.

If you’re not an AVG Business partner yet, sign up for a free 14-day trial today to check out the latest release of our Managed Workplace 9.2 product, the new services portal and onboarding tools.

Here’s a look at what you’ll find:

  • A 12-month, 5-step success plan: Targeted business plans that help partners achieve monthly, quarterly or yearly milestones.
  • AVG Accelerator Partner Academy: On-demand business and technical training to quickly onboard technical staff plus best practice tips and discussion on sales, marketing, business and channel operations.
  • In-depth knowledge base: Frequently asked questions and information for troubleshooting issues.
  • User forums: Community engagement and fast access to your peers for learning and networking.
  • Sales and marketing materials: Ready-to-use content to sell AVG Managed Workplace and other AVG Business products.

But that’s not all. Coming soon, you will be able to access our new AVG Managed Services Pricing Calculator from our partner portal. This cool calculator can be used by AVG channel partners to help price their managed services, develop the desired contract margins and predict profitable monthly recurring revenue. It captures critical elements of client service: labor costs, business overhead and software licensing, onboarding and more.

These new updates are all part of our continuous effort to develop and improve upon the products and support we provide to our partners — an ongoing process that is informed by the valued feedback we receive from our growing network.

Below is just a sample of some of our most recent feedback:

“AVG Managed Workplace has completely changed how we do business. We really like it because we now have visibility on our clients’ networks. In many cases the automation feature detects and resolves an issue before something fails.” — Terry Johnson, Consultant, Infrastructure and Data Solutions, Experis  

“As a value added reseller, we needed a partner that could help us create and implement solid security plans, and then deliver cost effective ongoing monitoring and maintenance of customer networks. The strength of AVG CloudCare’s cloud-based administration, integrated with the power of AVG Managed Workplace, was the answer.” — John Quatto, Channel Partner Manager, Zobrio   

“Our partnership with AVG is taking our business to a whole new level. We have a complete portfolio to deliver, from the security aspect outwards. The antivirus side of our business has grown 96% year on year, and anti-spam 29%. And with hosting, Online Backup and social media services still largely untapped, the only problem is finding the time to follow up all the AVG-generated opportunities.” –Gordon Montgomery, Operations Director, MCC Computers

Visit http://www.avg.com/gb-en/partners to find out more about our AVG Business solutions and how we can help your business.

AVG

AVG works with National Federation of Independent Business to raise awareness of online security

Leave a comment

Read the headlines and you would think cyber-crime was all about big brands fighting to keep customer data out of hackers’ hands.

You might even think it is about governments and cyber-espionage.

But behind the headlines, there is a day-to-day story of small business under attack.

So to mark National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we’re working with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) to share free tools and resources and about online threats.

Through October, we’ll help NFIB members and small business owners learn more about some of the practical issues around cybersecurity.

We’ll share information about the common tricks and tactics of hackers, and we’ll explore the issues around Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and the challenge of keeping a business secure when the lines are blurring between an employee’s personal tech and their professional life.

This week we’re encouraging small business owners and NFIB members to take our AVG Small Business IT Security Health Check.

It’s a simple free tool to help business owners think about how well-prepared they are against cyber threats.

The tool poses 17 multiple choice questions across a range of security topics: from password security to IT infrastructure.

There are also questions about what plans business owners have in place to deal with the fall-out if a security breach happens and customer, employee or suppliers’ personal information is compromised.

In the weeks ahead, we’ll share updated versions of our free ebooks through the NFIB’s regular email newsletter to members:

  • Digital Policy Guide
    What kind of issues emerge from employees and business owners using social media for personal and professional life? This guide looks at how social media can be a positive tool for businesses – and a management challenge if it’s misused. Download the guide.
  • Hackers and Hacking
    What are hackers looking for and what are their common tricks and tactics? Employees’ payroll data? Customer and suppliers’ bank details? This guide covers the threat of hacking, the motives behind it, what is at risk and how to combat these kinds of attacks. Read the ebook.
  • Bring Your Own Device
    Mobile tech from smartphones to tablets means that employees can keep in touch with friends and family on the same device they use to keep track of work emails, appointments and data. So what does that mean for your business? This guide looks at the issues around BYOD.

Sadly, there’s no way to stop hackers from trying to breach the virtual defences of small businesses. Wherever they are in the world, hackers will keep trying to find valuable data and disrupt business operations. And as Steve Chabot (R-OH), Chairman of the Congressional Small Business Committee, explained earlier this year, 71 percent of cyber-attacks are targeted at businesses with fewer than 100 employees.

So we hope our association with the NFIB will spread awareness of the issues and help small business owners feel better prepared to deal with online threats and ready to take steps to make their businesses more secure in future.

AVG

Addressing Cybersecurity for Small & Medium Businesses

Leave a comment

Perspectives on cybersecurity continue to evolve as our level of ‘connectedness’ and awareness of potential threats increases. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, many security experts believe there are two types of businesses, “…those that have been hacked and know it, and those that have been hacked and don’t know it yet.” While this overstates the situation a bit, it does highlight the urgency to address cybersecurity, even for small businesses. As the U.S. Chamber of Commerce suggests, the question isn’t if, it’s when.

Both Europe and the U.S. have designated October as cybersecurity month, highlighting the importance of this issue to business. One of the governmental organizations addressing the issue is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). NIST is currently in the revision phase of its report, Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals, by Richard Kissel and Hyunjeong Moon. In partnership with the Small Business Administration and the FBI, NIST is one of the governmental organizations reaching out to the small business community and providing guidance on how to address cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity is not an all-or-nothing effort. NIST recognizes that the appropriate security measures may differ from company to company and that not every company will be able to implement every possible measure quickly. Nonetheless, they have classified a number of cybersecurity practices as ‘absolutely necessary’ and suggest that every small business adopts them to protect their information, systems and networks.

These practices include:

  1. Protecting information/systems/networks from damage by viruses, spyware, and other malicious code
  2. Protecting a company’s Internet connection
  3. Installing and activating software firewalls on all business systems
  4. Patching operating systems and applications
  5. Making backup copies of important business data/information
  6. Training employees in basic security principles

A great starting point for evaluating a businesses security status and potential risk is to use the “AVG Small Business Security Healthcheck” tool that AVG Business provides for free on our website. In just a few minutes a business can generate a cybersecurity profile that can be used internally, or with an IT solution provider that understands the company’s network and business practices, to ensure the right solutions are put in place.

In many cases, security experts will advise, as NIST has, that protecting against viruses and malware and installing firewalls are critical steps. This can be easily accomplished with software solutions including the just updated AVG AntiVirus and AVG Internet Security solutions from AVG Business. With exceptionally easy user interfaces and automated protection features, special knowledge isn’t required to provide protection across an entire business. Making sure that antivirus is in place and firewalls are working are the first and easiest steps a company can take.

Addressing cybersecurity for small and medium businesses has clearly risen to mission-critical status, but that doesn’t mean it has to impact a company’s resources, finances or operations. With a network of more than 10,000 partners, an active channel community, and software solutions that are continuously updated to address changing security needs, AVG Business is certain that every business can establish strong cybersecurity measures and worry less about potential threats. If your company hasn’t yet embarked on a cybersecurity plan, now is a good time to start.

AVG

AVG Business kicks off Cybersecurity Month with free upgrade to 2016 Business Software Suite

Leave a comment

AMSTERDAM – September 30, 2015 – AVG® Technologies N.V. (NYSE: AVG), the online security company™ for more than 200 million monthly active users, today announced the release of its 2016 Business Edition software suite with new versions of its AVG AntiVirus Business Edition and AVG Internet Security Business Edition products. The 2016 suite, central to the company’s expanded security strategy for business, provides enterprise scale security to channel partners and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the frontline defense against malware and online threats.

Available worldwide, the products include a free remote management console to provide businesses easy and efficient remote access to all systems on a network. Technical support is also included at no cost.

“Today’s release of our core AntiVirus and Internet Security products for business delivers new and advanced cybersecurity protections and we are excited to get these into the hands of our channel and small to medium businesses across the globe,” said Joanna Brace, VP of Marketing and Product Marketing, AVG Business. “Online security is our core expertise and it is a fundamental requirement for business growth and success in today’s connected world. With the release of these critical security solutions, we are once again demonstrating our online security leadership and commitment to our customers.”

Today’s news is timed with two industry initiatives European Cyber Security Month and National Cyber Security Awareness Month, underscoring AVG’s leadership in online security and its strong commitment to protecting devices, data and people at work and at home. In support of these initiatives, channel partners will receive free upgrades to the 2016 Business Edition with renewals of existing licenses. AVG Business is also hosting security webinars for SMBs and providing comprehensive reseller kits for partners.

Features of the new 2016 Business Edition upgrade include:

  • New Scanning Engine: Scans faster and smarter with cloud-based detection technology
    The 2016 scanning engine implements AVG’s most advanced algorithms, providing better protection and shorter scanning times. It is also driven by new cloud-based detection technologies that leverage the majority of AVG’s 200 million endpoints to rapidly recognize new and emerging threats and deliver virus updates in as close to real-time as possible.
  • New Real-Time Outbreak Detection: Uses crowd intelligence technology for better protection
    Crowd intelligence technology has been added to AVG’s cloud-based outbreak detection to identify even the newest malware variants and outbreaks in software, all in real-time.
  • New Artificial Intelligence Detection: Uses advanced intelligence to identify threats
    Advanced artificial intelligence has been added to proactively identify new threats in real-time before our AVG VirusLab team has catalogued the threats.
  • Online Shield: Uses the Cloud to guard against today’s threats
    The 2016 Online Shield delivers today’s best cloud-based detection to more quickly identify dangerous downloads.
  • Data Safe: Protects your company’s most valuable data
    Data Safe lets businesses create password-protected virtual disks on their system, ensuring they can confidently encrypt and protect folders, files and data securely.
  • File Shredder: Deletes data securely
    Industry-compliant File Shredder securely deletes data to help prevent unintended recovery.

The AVG AntiVirus Business Edition and AVG Internet Security Business Edition are available now.

Channel partners can work directly with their account managers and also download our comprehensive reseller kits at our Reseller Center: https://secure.avg.com/rc-login. SMBs can purchase from the AVG.com web site: http://www.avg.com/business-security.


The AVG Business Portfolio

The AVG Business portfolio includes AVG Business CloudCare™, a free cloud-based administration platform offering channel partners a simple way to implement and manage services such as antivirus, content filtering, online backup and email security services for their customers, using centralized and highly customizable policies; the 2016 AVG Business Edition, a suite of software solutions that includes AVG AntiVirus Business Edition and AVG Internet Security Business Edition and offers comprehensive security protection for channel partners and SMBs;  AVG Business Managed Workplace, a comprehensive remote monitoring and management (RMM) platform with integrated premium remote control for channel partners and their clients; and AVG Business Secure Sign-On, a next-generation mobile device management service.

Supported by a worldwide network of more than 10,000 partners, AVG’s strong IT security heritage complements its proven strength as an RMM provider and partner to help smaller IT companies and MSPs transition and flourish as fully-fledged managed services businesses.

To view our Press Kit, which includes product screenshots, video and other elements of this news, please visit http://now.avg.com/avg-2016-business-edition-press-kit.


About AVG Technologies (NYSE: AVG)

AVG is the online security company providing leading software and services to secure devices, data and people. AVG’s award-winning technology is delivered to over 200 million monthly active users worldwide. AVG’s Consumer portfolio includes internet security, performance optimization, and personal privacy and identity protection for mobile devices and desktops. The AVG Business portfolio – delivered by managed service providers, VARs and resellers – offers IT administration, control and reporting, integrated security, and mobile device management that simplify and protect businesses.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

www.avg.com


Contacts:

Zoe Kine
Tel: +1 415-694-3654
Email: [email protected]

Zena Martin
Tel: +44 7496 638 342
Email: [email protected]

 

Press information: http://now.avg.com

AVG

Cybersecurity matters

Leave a comment

It’s unusual now to watch a newscast or read a paper and not come across a report or story of some computer security breach, theft or data or malicious program that’s wreaked havoc with a company’s, or the government’s, systems. On September 20th, the New York Times reported that Apple too is the target of malicious software in its App Store.

Tomorrow marks the start of National Cyber Security Awareness Month in the U.S. and the European Cyber Security Month. While there’s no way to insure that your business computers, devices and networks are 100% free from attack, there are a number of simple steps that businesses – even those without dedicated IT resources – can and should take to protect their business, customers and employees.

Perhaps the most important first step is to recognize that every business – even small and medium businesses – are potential targets. Hackers and distributors of malware are simply looking for any opportunity to steal information, accounts, passwords and identities. The less security they encounter, the easier their task. According to Chairman Steve Chabot (R-OH) of the Congressional Small Business Committee, “…71 percent of cyber-attacks occur at businesses with fewer than 100 employees.”

So how best can a business protect itself, particularly when it has no dedicated IT department or specific technical expertise? By deciding to implement a few easy precautions, to at least make it more difficult for hackers and others. And while our focus is business, these same suggestions work at home too and can help protect families.

  • Awareness and training – Employees should be made aware that there could be attacks and trained to recognize some of the signs of an attack or harmful email or phishing scam. Make sure that processes are in place to address requests for credit card numbers, payment information or personal data and that employees know what to do if those requests are received.
  • Password protection – Passwords are the keys to the kingdom and too often, good password policies aren’t in place or aren’t followed. Passwords should be unique, complex not obvious, and should be changed regularly. There are tools that can help manage passwords to reduce the burden.
  • Backup your data – It’s not difficult and it’s not expensive. A little discipline across all your systems will help a business recover from an attack or a catastrophic event.
  • Implement malware, spyware and firewall software solutions – This is like locking the door of a business at night. So many potential attacks can be stopped before they ever have an opportunity to steal or damage a business. Firewall, antivirus and malware software watches for possible attacks and threats and is exceptionally easy to install and manage.

Though cybersecurity month starts tomorrow, today marks the introduction of the 2016 update of the AVG Business AntiVirus and Internet Security software suite. Faster and less intrusive than ever before, these programs are that starting point for good business security.

Now is the right time to evaluate or review businesses security policies and to implement protection practices and tools if they aren’t already in place. It’s not hard to get started. The 2016 AntiVirus or Internet Security Business Editions are available at http://www.avg.com/business-security. In addition, AVG Business Partners have access to a range of resources to help establish better security and protection for clients.

Good business security doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating, with the right software and by following some simple steps, all businesses can enjoy a little peace of mind.

 

AVG

AVG kicks off free on demand training series for partners

Leave a comment

Opportunities for business growth are often right in front of us but taking advantage of them and succeeding may require specific knowledge or experience. This is why we have established the AVG Business Accelerator Partner Academy to help support your growth and equip you to win in your markets.

Through the Academy, we offer you and your team free online technical training in six modules as well as business transformation training in three different modules. We’ve worked with industry leaders and MSPs to design the curriculum specifically to help AVG Business partners grow and succeed rolling out Managed Workplace to your customers.

We know your time is limited and very valuable. The tracks we’ve put together are based on what you have told us you need, designed to help give you a competitive advantage. We want to equip you for success in your market and help in any way we can to accelerate your growth.

Beginning this month, the Business Transformation training kicks off and includes:

  • September:  Sales & Marketing Transformation
  • October: Business Transformation
  • November & December: Service Transformation

The technical training, which will include six modules split into several short videos covering Installation through to Reporting, will be available in October.

These ‘live’ sessions will include open Q&A sessions so that you can learn from our specialists and other MSPs in real-time. After each scheduled training session, these will be available for viewing on demand via our Partner Portal (sessions available for viewing October 1 and after).

Taking the Academy curriculum will help you:

  • Build your leads inflow and pipeline for business.
  • Leverage professional services automation to increase efficiency and profitability.
  • Work in partnership with your account manager to seize new revenue opportunities.
  • Use metrics to better manage sales, marketing and operations.
  • Better represent your expertise with customers and potential clients.

I encourage you to attend and let us know what you think. We’re listening.

To find more information and sign up for free training, visit AVG Business Accelerator Partner Academy.

 

AVG

A London NHS clinic leaks 780 patients’ details.

Leave a comment

The 56 Dean Street clinic in London accidentally released the names and email addresses of 780 patients who have attended HIV clinics.

In a statement released on their website, a spokesperson for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust stated:

“We can confirm that due to an administrative error, a newsletter about services at 56 Dean Street was sent to an email group rather than individual recipients.

“We have immediately contacted all the email recipients to inform them of the error and apologise. Any concerned patients can call  020 3315 9555 and 020 3315 9594.”

In an interview with BBC Dr. Alan McOwan has said that, “Not everybody on the list is HIV positive.”

This data breach comes on the heels of a similar incident that occurred earlier last month to UK based holiday company Thomson. The 56 Dean Street clinic data breach, while unfortunate, again underscores the importance of having appropriate data security policies and procedures in place, as well as the need for employee training on the handling and protection of sensitive data.

The cost of a data breach can affect more than your bottom line, it can affect lives too. So if you’re in doubt about the security of your own IT infrastructure, download AVG’s Small Business IT Security Guide or take the AVG Small Business IT Security Health Check now to find out what you can do to help prevent security and data breaches.

If you need comprehensive protection against online threats for your business PCs, network and email, take a look at AVG Internet Security Business Edition.

Avast

How SMBs in the UK Handle their Company’s Security

Leave a comment

UK Avast for Business INFOGRAPHICIn February, Avast launched the world’s first free, easy to use, cloud-managed security offering, Avast for Business, protecting SMBs from viruses and cyberattacks. We conducted a survey amongst our Avast for Business users in the UK to gain further insight into how local SMBs handle their security.

Nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents said that 100% of their company’s employees use the Internet. Businesses, whether small or large, retail or non-profit, often have a database of valuable customer data, making them an attractive target for cybercriminals.

Cybercrooks use social engineering to attack businesses, tricking employees via phishing scam to, for example, gain access to a company’s network. Despite the high number of data breaches, 57% of SMBs in the UK invest only 0-2% – little to nothing – of their IT budget on security.

Who handles IT support services for SMBs in the UK?

  • 1 out of 10 said an employee (not a designated IT admin) handles the company’s IT support services
  • Nearly 50% have an in-house technician
  • 1 out of 10 have an external supplier/technician handles the company’s IT support services
  • 28% of SMB business owners handle their company’s IT

BYOD

More than half of SMBs in the UK allow their employees to access company data from their personal devices. Bring your own device (BYOD) is a convenient practice SMBs have embraced, as it saves costs and encourages productivity.

However, BYOD can be risky, if not handled properly. Not only can hackers target the device to gain access to sensitive corporate information, but if the device is lost or stolen, the company data stored on it goes with the device. More than half (52%) of SMBs authorize employees to access corporate data on personal devices, yet the majority (54%) doesn’t run a BYOD scheme. 

Threats

Losing valuable and confidential data (31%) is the greatest security risk to UK SMBs along with productivity (23%) and losing customers (16%). We asked our business users if a virus or threat had infected them before switching to Avast for Business. When it came down to it, threats and hacks cost six out of 10 businesses productivity, followed by data loss (19%).

Types of security solutions SMBs used prior to switching to Avast for Business:

  • More than half (55%) used free consumer security solutions
  • 23% used premium business security solutions
  • Nearly one out of ten used premium consumer security solutions
  • Nearly one out of ten either do not know what kind of security solution they used before switching to Avast for Business or did not use any security solution (3%)

If your SMB has a low IT budget or if your business is currently using a consumer security solution, make sure you check out Avast for Business. Avast for Business is FREE and can be downloaded here.