WITH information and cyber crime now bigger than all other types of organised crime put together - and businesses of every size falling victim - Armstrong Watson, Skipton accountants, business and financial advisers, have launched their first Cyber Security Survey to help identify the threat.

Business owners are being encouraged to complete the short two-minute survey to provide a picture of how this increasing risk is impacting SMEs and what preventative action businesses are putting in place.

The initiative comes after the firm’s recent launch of their new Client Technology Advisory Service which offers guidance to businesses to support strategic technology planning and implementation.

Client Technology Director, Barry Maxey, said: “Sadly we’ve witnessed an increasing number of our clients turn to us for support following a security breach or attack and, whilst we’ve been able to step in to provide advice, we’re keen to offer guidance and direction before the worst happens. We hope that by asking business owners to spare a few moments to consider their current position, we’ll gain a better understanding of how prepared businesses are and highlight where security gaps may currently exist - hopefully helping to prevent further threat.”

Once the results have been gathered and analysed, Armstrong Watson plan to publish a report specifying any differences/similarities by business sector and region, along with a clear indication as to where action needs to take place to prepare and protect SMEs.

To take part in the survey business owners are invited to visit www.armstrongwatson.co.uk/cybersurvey