Phishing 'dangerous to all sizes of business'

Phishing scams do not only target large businesses but are a danger for small to medium-sized enterprises as well, according to Equifax.

The credit reporting agency said that the cyber criminals behind phishing scams will target, individuals, big businesses and small businesses in the same way. External affairs director for Equifax Neil Munro said: "There's no doubt that corporates whether they be small businesses or large businesses are suffering from attempted stealing of identity the same way that individuals are. "Phishing can apply top those corporates the same way that it can apply to individuals."

Those running a small business may have more time constraints and therefore might not have as much time to practice safe internet practices, Mr Munro added. Also, figures from ClickZ.com show that many internet users are still not using the proper precautions when online. A full 44 per cent of those who bank online use the same password for all their online activities, ClickZ.com found.