SMEs choosing cyber security over customer convenience

Nearly all small business owners recognising the growing importance of cyber security, with the vast majority prioritising security over customers.

In fact, the majority of small business owners are concerned about breaches to their internet and electronic security, according to the 2015 SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard survey.

As cyber security hacks have become an increasingly prevalent issue, 60% of small business owners said they are taking extra precautions including firewalls, offsite protected servers, multi-factor authentication, encrypted emails and multiple layers of password protection, the survey shows.

A year ago, the number of small business owners concerned about cyber security was just over half (56%).

Furthermore, an overwhelming majority (85%) of respondents to the survey said they would be willing to inconvenience customers if it meant better protecting the customers' online security when using the company's products, services or websites.

"It tells you just how serious this issue has become for business owners, regardless of size. It's not just the big chains that are focused on security right now.

"Small business owners understand that any sort of breach or lack of confidence when it comes to online security could have a big impact," says Andy Roe, SurePayroll general manager.

"As a payroll provider, in particular, we understand the importance of taking security seriously in order to protect both customer and company data."