BUSINESSES in Wiltshire are being warned to take defensive measures to protect themselves in the event of a virus attack.

The MyDoom computer virus has made it into the record books for being the most widely circulated virus of all time and Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire found that over half of all UK businesses were caught out by a virus attack last year.

More than 90 per cent were using anti-virus software but fewer than 60 per cent updated their software at regular intervals.

"The key to minimising the risk of infection is to have a multi-layered defence which starts with educating users," said Andy Poulton, e-business adviser and member of the ICT team for Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire.

In the first three months of 2004 the viruses MyDoom, Netsky and Bagle infected more computer systems than ever before, costing businesses in Wiltshire money, time and inconvenience.

The result of virus attacks range from minor interruptions to business to the wholesale deletion of files, the corruption of data and wiping of hard drives.

Mr Poulton said anti-virus programmes should be installed on all systems and regularly updated on a weekly basis.

He said: "The other crucial area where businesses can take measures to protect themselves is to ensure that all their business critical data is regularly backed up and that, where possible, these back-ups are stored off-site.

"Periodically the company must also ensure that they can restore their data back on to their computers. If all those measures are enforced the company faces a much lower risk of infection."

For information, advice and access to experts on all issues relating to running or setting up a business please contact Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire on 0845 600 4141.