Cyber criminals are attacking with increasing frequency to small and medium businesses that do not have the resources to renovate its computer systems security, federal officials said.
Many of these attacks are perpetrated by organized groups that operate outside the United States and are therefore able to steal credit card numbers and personal information of the cardholder, said Michael Merritt, deputy director of the Office of Investigations U.S. Secret Service.
As larger companies have protected their computer networks with complex security systems, cyber criminals have adapted and now directing their attacks toward smaller companies are less protected, the official said in testimony before the Committee of Senate Homeland Security.
Phil Reitinger, a senior official of the Department of Homeland Security, said there are several simple steps that companies can implement to protect themselves.
"Protecting the entrance of a factory or shop is part of the nature of business for the owners, so consideration should be ciberprotección," Reitinger said in his testimony.
He added that according to a recent study, up to 87% of cybercrimes could be avoided by simply taking simple preventive measures or intermediate level.
Reitinger and Merritt said that government agencies are working to increase cooperation among themselves and with private companies.
Some lawmakers believe it essential to create agreements between the private sector, security forces, government and allies abroad.
"Security can not reach the government alone," said Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, chairman of the panel of national security.
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