AN IT business has urged York firms to tighten up their security and stop computer hackers in their tracks.

Almost half of UK businesses have no technology in place to protect against IT security attacks, according to a survey by McAfee Security. And 38 per cent have no plans to install systems which could stop hackers targeting software and network infrastructures.

But 44 per cent of businesses have suffered a malicious security breach over the past year, almost twice as many as in 2000, with each breach costing £30,000 on average.

IT security specialist SBL is to hold two brunch briefings about information security at its Sutton-on-the-Forest headquarters on December 9 and 11.

The event will be based on guidelines issued by the Confederation of British Industry and the British Computer Society.

Businesses can arrange to attend by faxing Event Bookings on 01347 811225 or by visiting www.softbox.co.uk.

Updated: 11:44 Thursday, December 04, 2003