Computer Security Risks in the Internet Era: Are Small Business Owners Aware and Proactive?

This article empirically examines the awareness, concern, and actions of home-based small business owners regarding Internet-based computer security risks. A scientific, Internet-based survey was administered to measure attitudes toward specific computer security risks and the self-reported defenses taken by respondents. Analysis of the survey data shows that while home-based small business owners are highly aware of and concerned with existing threats, their level of action to guard against the threats is relatively low as is their willingness to pay for adequate protection.