Despite significant investment SMB security solutions fail to keep pace with threats to business

London,13th February 2008 - 2007 was a record year for SMB investment in security products to protect networks from unwanted intrusion, malicious attack or internet-born viruses. Following a new IT survey conducted to assess small and medium sized businesses 'Growing Pains', more than half of SMBs fear that their current solution does not deliver effective protection for their business.

The poll, carried out by Loudhouse Research for Star Technology Services Ltd, surveyed 300 IT and business managers in SMB/SME's within the UK about the key IT drivers and challenges for 2008.

The findings show that just over half of those questioned - CEO/MD level execs and IT Director/Managers of SMBs  - felt their current network security provisions were inadequate.  Almost half of respondents said they found it difficult to keep up-to-date with emerging security threats, leaving their networks susceptible to attack.

Businesses' increased reliance on the Internet as a business tool brings with it the constant dangers of spyware, malware, spam, phishing and hackers.  Paul Watson, Vice President, Product Management Marketing at Star says, "As the Internet has become an essential part of small and medium-sized businesses toolkit - they should have the right to expect security as standard for all of their online activities. SMBs should see new Internet-based technologies as an opportunity for growth, rather than a threat to survival"

"As an SMB, it is essential that you have a security solution that meets the individual needs of the business in terms of both protection and budget. Rather than continue to invest in security products, resource and knowledge base SMBs need to look to their ISPs to help ensure they minimize their risk from potentially business-ending attacks."