A survey has revealed that firms are not prepared to deal with unexpected problems such as cyber attacks, and a professional body has warned that their lack of organisation is putting businesses at risk.
According to the study, almost two-thirds of managers questioned said that their organisation was increasingly at risk from cyber attacks.
Out of over 1,000 people questioned, one in three managers have admitted being targeted by some form of attack in the past 12 months, including suffering a loss of confidential information.
The Chartered Management Institute has said that less than half of private sector companies have integrated plans against threats to the day-to-day running of their businesses. The institute has urged firms to make crisis management preparations and put them in place.
Chief Executive Ruth Spellman said: “Every time an unexpected event interrupts or halts the operations of a business, charity or public sector body in this country, UK plc suffers – yet with good management, this could be avoided.
“With so many organisations now relying on online networks and systems to function, cyber security breaches have joined extreme weather, contagious illness and transport disruptions as one of the top risks to businesses performance.
“Managers need to ensure that they have proactive plans in place to deal with the potential threats that could impact their business.”
Copyright © Press Association 2011
