Failing to have adequate internet security protection can have a "devastating effect" on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), one expert has claimed.

Tony Neate, managing director of Get Safe Online, says that SMEs must make sure that they have up to date anti-spyware and anti-virus packages installed on their computer systems - as increasing numbers of them become dependent on technology.

"For the companies that use the internet as part of their day to day work, it can be devastating," he said, of the threat posed by security risks.

"If companies are involved in transacting or advertising online, they will maybe need to take more action in terms of getting third party security," Mr Neate added.

In June of this year, Get Safe Online revealed that around 44 per cent of SMEs have at some point fallen foul of cyber crimes such as data theft and identity fraud. Of those affected, 36 per cent had been caught out by a computer virus and 18 per cent had been affected by online scams.

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