AVG (AU/NZ) knows there’s more to keeping a business safe than installing Internet security software alone; it’s about understanding the relevant internal and external threats.
Melbourne, 27 April 2011 — AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd, the distributor of the award-winning AVG Anti-Virus and Internet Security software in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, has launched its latest weapon in the fight against corporate cyber crime, the AVG Online Security Audit.
The free Security Audit provides small to medium businesses (SMBs) with customised reports on their security needs. This quick and easy survey tool for small business owners will help them understand where they are today and recommend ways to protect themselves from the dangers of malware attack and Internet crime.
The Security Audit reviews how employees use the company’s and their own equipment —from computers and laptops to smartphones and USB sticks — and what policies are in place for the use of business and private hardware, plus access to social networking and other Internet usage.
AVG (AU/NZ) will then email the business a personalised audit report created from the information provided which identifies where the problems lie and recommended actions. The report can be converted to a printable PDF document for use in discussion with staff and the development of security strategies. AVG (AU/NZ) also provides links to a range of guides to assist businesses to bolster their security efforts.
AVG (AU/NZ) has identified five ‘doorways’ through which cyber criminals are spreading malware and accessing company data:
Social networks;
Instant messaging and spam chat;
Insider threats from employees;
Unsecured remote technologies used by staff; and
USBs and smartphones.
Lloyd Borrett, Security Evangelist for AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd, says, “Keeping your business safe means far more than installing anti-virus or Internet security software alone; it’s about understanding the threats relevant to your business. The AVG Online Security Audit is the latest development in a series of resources that we’ve designed to help SMBs and stop them becoming easy targets for attack.”
An insight to the extent of the problem was revealed when 2,000 SMBs were surveyed in the US and UK for the “AVG SMB Market Landscape Report 2010”. More than half (52 per cent) had no IT security guidelines for their staff, while one in seven had no Internet security software or solutions in place at all. SMBs are becoming prime targets for cyber criminals, with the survey revealing at least one in four have already experienced a security breach.
The Online Security Audit has been added to AVG’s Business Resource Centre, a free online library of guides and tools that can help protect companies from identity theft, data breaches, online banking break-ins and other computer crimes. It includes the 11 page AVG Small Business Security Guide, which is an action template covering the establishment of policies through to the documentation of processes to secure workplace practices and technology use.
“We know SMBs are not experts in IT or the specifics of the ever changing security sector. They often cite lack of time as a reason for not looking into the issue of risk and protection. With the launch of this free AVG Online Security Audit we’re actively trying to make things easier for them to keep their businesses safe. It’s an invaluable tool for SMBs to get them started on the right track. While AVG focuses on protecting their business, they can focus on growing it,” Borrett said.
Businesses can access AVG’s Online Security Audit to get their tailored security plan at http://audit.avg.com.au/ or watch the “Discover AVG’s Online Security Audit” video on YouTube – see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtyeT2JdmbU.
AVG (AU/NZ) also has a comprehensive range of security tips on its web site at http://www.avg.com.au/resources/security-tips/. For video tips from AVG (AU/NZ), see http://www.youtube.com/user/avgaunz.
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