THOUSANDS of small businesses could be at risk of closure if they aren't aware of simple back-up procedures needed to protect their business information in the event of problems with their hardware, says Microsoft.
About 40 per cent of small businesses back up their data less than once a month, with 27 per cent not backing up at all.
It is estimated that about 100,000 laptops will be damaged and nearly 67,000 stolen next year and insurers are advising businesses to incorporate the cost of hardware theft into their annual budget planning.
But the cost to a business of losing or having its hardware stolen can be far higher if the data that it contains has also been lost.
For many small businesses this could mean the loss of their customer contacts or latest stock information and accounts.
John Coulthard, head of small business for Microsoft UK, said: "A recent MORI study revealed that half the respondents believed their laptop was susceptible to theft, yet more than a third did not make copies of confidential files.
"Without backing up your data you are liable to lose everything."
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