An IT expert has warned the district’s smallest firms to be on their guard against computer hackers after seeing a surge in demand for advice on security issues.

Martin Clark, who heads the IT consultancy division of Cleckheaton and Keighley accountants Clough & Company, said new start-ups and businesses employing a handful of people were most at risk as they tended to buy the least-sophisticated computer kit and software for cost reasons.

In order to help combat threats, the consultancy has even launched a service enabling it to ‘ethically hack’ into a system to test security from a hacker’s perspective.

Martin said: “Many people starting or operating a small business as a solo operation or with just a few staff will probably buy their equipment from one of the major high-street retailers along with standard business software.

“But this can mean that their IT security will not be resistant to threats from people wanting to break into their systems.”

Mr Clark said that computer buffs, including IT students, sometimes hacked into vulnerable systems just for the fun of it and not necessarily to defraud the victim.

Clough & Company has relaunched its IT consultancy under the new name of ITwiser to offer advice and consultancy services across a full range of IT-related issues.

Mr Clark said the move came as the firm was experiencing a surge in business as evolving technology made it easier for hackers, disgruntled employees or competitors to cause damage to a company’s computer network.

  • Read the full story in Friday's T&A