Pat Pilcher: 30 per cent of SMEs vulnerable to cybercrime

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Over 80 per cent of businesses in NZ fit into the small businesses category. Employing a handful of people, they're often referred to as the engine powering New Zealand's economy.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) also remain exposed to cybercrime because many aren't cyber security savvy and often don't have IT staff.

This must've been weighing on The National Cyber Policy Office who've launched a free SME Toolkit aimed at helping SMEs become more secure.

The toolkit is designed for non IT-savvy users and contains a plain English guide for businesses to become more cyber secure.

Paul Ash, of the National Cyber Policy Office says the scale of many SMEs means many are leaving themselves exposed.

"Having business information compromised is more than an inconvenience and can have major consequences for businesses and their customers, as well as impact on their commercial reputation."

Head of Information Security at Vodafone, Colin James says recent research shows SMEs account for a staggering 30 per cent of targeted online attacks.

"Alongside the greater flexibility and efficiency that operating in a mobile and online environment affords come additional risks - particularly as the distinction between how people use their personal and work devices starts to blur. It is more important than ever for businesses to take proactive steps to protect their security, and ensure that staff are encouraged to do the same."

The toolkit is a free download from the Connect Smart website.