Companies urged to ensure employees get broadband security training

Businesses should invest in appropriate training for employees about the security issues and threats inherent in cheap broadband usage, a leading organisation claims.

Get Safe Online has said that the recession could lead to a rise in cyber criminals who are determined to commit a variety of internet crimes.

The organisation therefore advises firms to ensure that at least one employee is aware of the risks and how to protect the business against them.

Tony Neate, managing director of Get Safe Online, advised every company to implement an appropriate policy to minimise the risk from cyber crime.

"Training in this issue is a big thing. It doesn't matter if you train one member of staff, a thousand members of staff or just yourself," he explained.

Mr Neate said that policies do not have to be overly complicated; rather it is about clarifying which websites or online resources can be used on work communications networks.

Figures released by the Federation of Small Businesses recently indicated that cyber crime costs small companies in the UK on average £800 each per year.