Cost of IT security breaches sees firm launch solution

MORE than 80,000 small businesses across the region have suffered IT security breaches in the past 12 months costing firms thousands.

According to the latest information breaches survey the worst single incident cost the company nearly £20,000.

Cleckheaton-based accountants Clough & Company claim that the problem is largely as a result of systems being under-specification and a lack of quality, independent support and advice when companies are sourcing new equipment.

Having shared its clients’ frustration, Clough & Company has launched @ud-it – a specialist division to provide independent IT advice and support services.

@ud-it offers its clients a wide range of services from providing independent recommendations on the purchase and upgrade of systems to ongoing IT maintenance, through to security audits.

Martin Clark who heads up the @ud-it team said: “As dependency on IT grows, more and more companies are seeking advice from an impartial expert they can trust, not from a sales person whose ultimate aim is to up-sell.

“Due to the cost involved, it is often still the owner/managers who will commission a new system or additional kit for the business and it’s rare that their knowledge of what they’re being sold is comprehensive enough to make an informed decision.”

Mr Clark said that the security landscape had changed dramatically over recent years and for the first time IT security was as high a priority for small businesses as it is for large companies.
 
“Clients were coming to us for independent help, so we now provide system audits to highlight how they can improve the efficiency of their IT and repair any weaknesses that a hacker could exploit.

“Plus we’re on hand to guide companies through the technical jargon associated with a modern day IT system.”

According to Steven Gash, managing partner at Clough & Company, there are other benefits besides running a secure system.

“When a business is being valued for sale or purchase, the IT system is often overlooked even though it can be a major asset and tool for negotiation,” he said.
 
“@ud-it can provide a full valuation and assessment of an IT system and check that all software is fully licensed and running legally so that companies can avoid significant costs associated with updating systems and licences.”