| If you're looking for a business opportunity, it may be | | | | This was also the findings of the Internet Security |
| already right there in your home -- your computer and | | | | Alliance, a non-profit organization whose primary |
| an Internet connection. Don't worry about raising capital; | | | | function is to handle issues on information security. |
| you actually only need very little (or even none at all) to | | | | It can be concluded that small online businesses are |
| get started on an online business. All you really need is | | | | very vulnerable to data theft and electronic sabotage. |
| a good Internet connection and a computer; you can | | | | This is the reason why as a business owner, you need |
| be well on your way to making a nice side income or | | | | to make sure you implement measures to protect |
| full income every month depending on how you decide | | | | your data and the computers you use for conducting |
| to pursue your online business. | | | | your business online. |
| One thing you'll need to keep in mind, however, when | | | | Data thieves are becoming more and more |
| you get started on your online business is your | | | | sophisticated as time goes by; they have advanced |
| computer's security. The last thing you want is to have | | | | software programs and the hardware they need to |
| online thieves get access to your computer and steal | | | | break into any computer. You'll be wasting a great deal |
| important data. | | | | of time and money if you don't take the necessary |
| Don't be lulled in to thinking that just because you're a | | | | steps to protect your computer against these cyber |
| small online venture, thieves and data hackers are not | | | | criminals. The consequences of having an unprotected |
| going to target you. Remember that cyber criminals | | | | computer that you use to conduct your business online |
| don't care whether you're a big or small business | | | | are simply staggering. |
| owner. If they discover your computer system | | | | You'll find literally hundreds of software companies |
| unprotected, you're fair game to them. | | | | offering computer Internet security programs to ensure |
| According to a research done by AMI-Partners, nearly | | | | the safety of your data. There are also companies |
| 50% of small- and medium-sized online businesses | | | | offering Internet security services so you're |
| neglect to have even the most basic of security | | | | guaranteed your online data are safe against hackers. |
| protection. Based on the research, these small online | | | | Make data security and encryption one of your top |
| businesses don't even bother to install anti-spyware | | | | priorities even before you start doing business online. |
| and anti-virus software in their computers. | | | | Don't believe that just because you're a start-up |
| This would explain why the Mydoom worm was | | | | business, you're safe from online thieves. Big online |
| successful; the worm affected one out of three small- | | | | businesses have the capacity and funds to recover |
| and medium-sized online businesses. On the other | | | | quickly from cyber break-ins, you don't since you're |
| hand, the worm affected one out of six large online | | | | simply starting out, so why put yourself and your online |
| companies. | | | | business at risk? |