Network security( Penetration testing) : cyber-crime is costing the UK’s small businesses

It’s a well-known fact that small businesses are more susceptible to cyber-crime than many of their larger counterparts. A lack of funding and resources means that few small to medium-sized businesses can afford to pay for vulnerability assessments or penetration testing of their network security. But just how much money is this failure to protect online networks costing small businesses? Well, according to Federation of Small Businesses it’s something in the region of £785 million every year. That staggering figure is the price SMEs pay when they fall victim to fraud and malware.

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What exactly are the requirements of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS)?

Most businesses will be aware of the vital importance of spotting security vulnerabilities within their network and applications, and many will also be aware that they will need to carry out a network penetration test to help them comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCIDSS) requirements. Understandably many SMBs will look to find the cheapest and quickest way to comply with the required standards. However, some businesses might be surprised to learn that the service they are paying for isn’t necessarily what they think it is. PCI DSS is explicit in its requirement that a penetration test has to be performed, but it is rather vague when it comes to explaining what methods need to be employed when performing testing.

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