HELP is at hand for businesses that want to protect themselves from hackers and viruses.

UK Online for Business, the government agency that promotes the use of e-commerce among British businesses, has launched a dedicated information security web site.

The launch comes following a Department of Trade and Industry survey that showed security breaches to information and communication technology systems affected 44 per cent of UK businesses last year.

The financial cost of these breaches is often very significant.

Security advice, however, is often overly technical, particularly for smaller companies with limited resources.

To address this, UK Online for Business has launched a section on its web site dedicated to raising awareness of potential information security risks, as well as giving jargon-free advice on how to address them.

The web site, at www.ukonlineforbusiness.gov.uk/informationsecurity, offers a comprehensive online source of information about e-security, aimed particularly at small and medium sized businesses.

Core areas

The pages draw together a range of tools, advice and guidance on core areas of online security for businesses to review and use.

This is supported by case study examples of businesses that have been affected by security breaches.

Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, said technology was becoming increasingly fundamental to the day-to-day running of businesses.

"As this happens, however, the impact on business of virus attacks, hackers and inappropriate usage of ICT systems by employees increases," she said.

"Businesses, therefore, need to minimise risks associated with security breaches.

"Just as a business will protect its premises with strong locks and security personnel or alarms, it should also look at protecting its ICT systems."