SME should to look outside of IT to maximise security

COLT, a leading European provider of business communications, has called for SMEs to become more aware of the security risks to their business.

Security affects more than just IT and identifying vulnerabilities can be complex. In recognition of this challenge, COLT has launched the online security self-assessment tool for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The online application enables businesses to evaluate basic elements of their IT security in only a few minutes to discover potential threats.

"The COLT self-assessment tool is a very welcome development," said Professor Jim Norton, council member of the UK Parliamentary Information Technology Committee and chairman of the British Computer Society Professionalism Board. "It is simple to use, holistic - covering all the key areas, including people, process and technology, and it offers clear feedback against best practice."

"We recognise that strengthening your security can be an extremely complex and challenging task - especially when you don't have a dedicated security specialist," said Andy Horn, head of COLT's SME division in the UK. "This tool will help identify risk across the business, from information security policy to processes, IT security, staff, regulatory compliance and the physical security of the business. Understanding your high risk threats is the first, and most important step in managing them."

The easy to use online security self-assessment tool, available at www.colt.net/security, allows SMEs to get an overview of their security status, identifies strengths and weaknesses and gives advice on how to close security gaps.