Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sussex are being warned they are just as much at risk from cybercrime as large multi-national companies.

The Fraud Advisory Panel has just published new guidelines on cybercrime in association with the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICA).

It said: "The SME community must wake up to the threat."

Tony Bennewith, president of the South Eastern ICA, which represents the profession in Sussex, said: "The risk to British business has risen dramatically in the last two years, with 50 per cent of businesses reporting such crimes this year, compared with 25 per cent in 2000, according to DTI statistics, "Cybercrime takes many different forms: Hacking, net espionage and credit card fraud, to give a few examples.

The most serious losses result from theft of proprietary information and financial fraud. The key to reducing the risk is prevention. SMEs should focus on implementing policies such as employee guidelines for internet and email use and on developing a culture of awareness to increase security."

The new guidelines recommend SMEs hold regular staff training sessions, keep abreast of regulatory developments and, where possible, recruit individuals with expert knowledge.

They provide comprehensive details on how to establish policy and procedures, what to do if cybercrime is detected and how efforts to prevent it can be maximised by collaborating with government agencies and professional advisory bodies.

Mr Bennewith said: "At present, life is being made even easier for the e-criminal and they are getting away with it."

The report, price £3, is available from Helen Fay, The Fraud Advisory Panel, Chartered Accountants Hall, PO Box 433, Moorgate Place, London EC2P 2BJ. Cheques should be made payable to Fraud Advisory Panel.