These days there is hardly a computer or smartphone that isn't connected via the internet.  This provides incredible advantages for instant access to emails, information, communicating via social networking, and accessing and interacting with information on line. This facility is provided via the internet, which is a public global network that connects almost any computer enabled device to any other device. This means you can communicate with almost anyone anytime, but it also has other, negative consequences. 

Firstly, the global nature of the internet means that while you can connect to any one, it also means that anyone  can potentially gain access to information stored on computers, servers and web sites that are connected to the internet.  That is why it is critically important to protect your information by using safe internet practices, including having up to date antivirus and antispyware, installing firewalls, keeping your software up to date and having complex passwords.  A great site produced by the Australian Government has useful and up to date advice on the best methods to protect a Small Business in the on line world:  http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/  Protection for Small Business

Keeping internal customer records and financial information secure from prying eyes is an absolute must in business.  In addition, businesses also need to take care with other less secure information such as emails and comments posted in Social Media.  Since emails are transmitted across networks and stored on other people's computers, they need to be regarded as almost public information.  Jeff Kennett recently said on 3AW radio (10/11/2011) that you shouldn't write anything in an email that you wouldn't want to appear on the front page of The Age.  This is sound advice. Even more care needs to be made posting on Facebook and other social media sites such as LinkedIn , as this information is intended for publication even if the privacy settings are meant to restrict the availability of this information.    Also, any comments posted on twitter are completely public so definitely don't post any information you don't want the world to know about.