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UNICRI releases Guidelines for IT Security in Small and Medium Enterprises

Cybercrime represents a serious threat to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), both across Europe and at the global level. SMEs constitute 99.8% of enterprises in Europe. Many of these entities are micro enterprises, with less than 10 employees and very often lack the resources and know-how to properly mitigate cyber threats. As a consequence, they are at risk of being exploited by cybercriminals. Italy, in particular, maintains a large SME sector, with 99.9% of its business enterprises being classified as SMEs.

In light of this situation, UNICRI, with the support of Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca, has devoted its efforts to raise awareness regarding the cyber threats that can affect the economies of Italy and Europe.

In December 2014, the Institute released the report entitled Cybercrime and the risks for the economy and enterprises at the European Union and Italian levels. Available in both English and Italian, this comprehensive study provides an overview of the challenges related to the cyber environment faced by SMEs across Europe and Italy, in particular.

Serving as an update to that report, this latest release, Guidelines for IT Security in SMEs, which is also available in English and Italian, provides information on trends and cyber risks being faced by Italian SMEs in the first half of 2015. It also presents a survey conducted through the use of interviews and case studies involving Italian businesses and offers a basic set of guidelines for SMEs in the field of IT security. A document containing highlights from the update, along with a full copy of the new report, can be downloaded below.

A detailed version of the guidelines for IT Security in SMEs, which contains a breakdown of recommendations for good cyber practices on a department by department basis, is available upon request. If you are interested in the full version of the guidelines, you can send a request to Ms. Francesca Bosco at: boscounicri.it