Get Safe Online will focus on small businesses in a forthcoming campaign that will try and raise awareness of Internet security

Online safety awareness campaign Get Safe Online is to focus on micro-businesses in the new year.

Get Safe Online is currently in discussions with various chambers of commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses to decide the best way to raise awareness of online safety issues.

Businesses with very small numbers of staff often have the same safety problems as home users, including lack of software to protect PCs, according to Tony Neate, head of Get Safe Online.

"Well be looking at micro-businesses. They often have the same problems as domestic users. We'll help them with sharpening up their security," Neate told ZDNet UK at the Get Safe Online summit in London.

The biggest problem for small businesses is often the financial investment necessary to provide in-depth security, according to Neate, who added that businesses must take steps to protect their intellectual property and data.

"Even if you can't afford massive server farms, you have to spend time shutting the gates and locking the windows. You can download free antivirus, and free anti-spyware. It doesn't have to cost the earth," said Neate.

The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) said businesses should be aware that Eastern European and Russian organised crime groups are trying to steal customer data and intellectual property.

"Russians claim to be the best hackers, but we are the best victims — we're rich and we're sloppy," said Sharon Lemon, deputy director of e-crime at SOCA. "We think someone else will pick up the tab. Businesses — you've got to get your act together," Lemon said.

"The vulnerability is small to medium-sized businesses. They need to recognise how they can be exploited by serious and organised criminals," Lemon added.

Businesses risk reputational damage if hackers manage to access databases containing confidential information, which can lead to identity theft or credit card fraud.

"Criminals can hit companies that hold details about vulnerable people or rich people. Why bother going through a bin looking for one individual's details when you can access a database with thousands?" said Lemon.

Consumer confidence in the security of the Internet is a concern for many businesses involved in e-commerce, as any breach of security could adversely affect their reputation. According to a Get Safe Online survey released on Monday, more people are worried about Internet fraud than burglary.

The Get Safe Online is currently looking for partners to sign up to a memorandum of understanding to guarantee a unified approach to online safety, and sponsors.

"We'd be delighted to speak to you, if you have any money," said Neate. Sponsors must pay between £50,000 and £150,000, according to an email sent in error to ZDNet UK's sister site, silicon.com, last October.

Microsoft and BT told ZDNet UK that they are committed as sponsors for the next two years, and said that they would continue to sponsor Get Safe Online past that time.

"Absolutely, we will continue to sponsor [Get Safe Online]," said Nick McGrath, head of platform strategy for Microsoft in the UK. "This should be an ongoing project. We're in this for the long term."

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