Most Small Businesses Unprepared for Cyber Criminals

Survey: 79 percent of small business owners do not have a cyber
attack response plan, even though 63 percent admit they have been
victims of at least one type of cyber attack

COLUMBUS, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A new survey by Nationwide released today reveals that almost eight in
10 small business owners (79 percent) do not have a cyber attack
response plan, even though a majority of them (63 percent) have been
victims of at least one type of cyber attack.

The survey was commissioned by Nationwide — the No. 1 total small
business insurer — and conducted online by Harris Poll between June 8
and June 19, 2015. It focused on 500 U.S. small business owners with
fewer than 300 employees, and who have at least a moderate role in
employee benefit selection.

“The holiday shopping season kicks into high gear this month, with
Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday,” said Mark
Berven, president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Property &
Casualty. “But unfortunately, this is also the time of year when many
cyber criminals target shoppers and businesses. Our goal is to help
companies and their insurance agents protect customers year round.”

According to the survey, 79 percent of small business owners have no
cyber attack response plan in place. When asked why not, 46 percent said
they feel their current software is secure enough, and 40 percent said
they do not feel their company will be affected by a cyber attack.

At the same time, 73 percent are at least somewhat concerned with a
potential cyber attack affecting their business — especially since 63
percent of small business owners admit they have been victims of at
least one of the following:

  • Computer virus (44 percent)
  • Phishing (30 percent)
  • Trojan horse (22 percent)
  • Hacking (16 percent)
  • Data breach (11 percent)
  • Issues due to unpatched software (10 percent)
  • Unauthorized access to customer information (9 percent)
  • Unauthorized access to company information (8 percent)

For facts, tips and resources on creating a cyber security plan, small
business owners and their insurance agents can visit Nationwide’s cyber
security website
.

“When it comes to hackers, every small business owner needs a game
plan,” Berven said. “That’s why we created a site filled with solutions
that can help companies protect their customers this holiday shopping
season — and year round.”

Methodology:

The 2015 Small Business Owner Study was conducted online, between June 8
and June 19, 2015, by Harris Poll, on Nationwide’s behalf. The
respondents comprised a representative sample of 500 U.S. small business
owners, defined as having companies with less than 300 employees, and
who have at least a moderate role in employee benefit selection. Results
were weighted to be representative of small business owners in the U.S.
Research participants were drawn from the Harris Poll Online (HPOL)
research panel and partner sample. Because the sample is based on those
who were invited to participate in the HPOL panel, estimates of
theoretical sampling error cannot be calculated. Percentages were
rounded to the nearest whole percent. Differences in the sums of
combined categories/answers are due to rounding.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the
largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services
organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard
& Poor’s. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial
services, including auto, commercial, homeowners, farm and life
insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and
mutual funds; banking and mortgages; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.
For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side, Join the Nation and the
Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance
Company.

Contacts

Nationwide
Christopher Stollar, 614-677-5711
stollac1@nationwide.com

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