They told us that computers would make life easier. Assuming you know how to use them, it’s a fair thing to say they do.

As with all things in business, you have to have a reasonable idea. A tradesman excels by putting his tools to good use.

However, those tools are only as good as the person handling them. For a carpenter, if he cuts something in the wrong place, it damages either one piece of wood or at worst the whole piece he is working on, but it stops there.

A car in the wrong hands will create havoc – just so a computer.

The point I am getting to is the concern that those of us who endeavour to maintain best practice in the use of our IT equipment are under constant threat.

This is not just from the computer hacker or the virus writer but also the huge number of colleagues in business that have no robust IT policy regarding security.

This was clearly brought to light with the recent announcement of the Gameover Zeus malaware attack. I got an email from the FSB to be on guard.

It certainly made me check all our software updates and anti-virus programmes. It is a huge concern that there are thousands out there who have little or no idea about what they should do. Even worse, some have a completely complacent approach to any threat.

Unlike the bad craftsman or the dangerous car driver, these colleagues can not only damage themselves but potentially huge numbers. Recent research by the FSB found that cyber-crime costs UK small business around £800m every year and the economy globally around $445bn.

The Government has launched a new cyber-security certification scheme badged Cyber Essentials.

It was developed with the Information Assurance for SME (IASME) consortium and the Information Security Forum (ISF) and is a basic set of technical controls for organisations to use.

The scheme was launched last month and enables organisations to gain one of two Cyber Essentials badges. It is backed by the FSB, the CBI and a number of insurance companies offering incentives for those taking up the scheme.

From October 1, the Government will require all suppliers bidding for sensitive information to be certified against the scheme. Details at www.fsb.org.uk/151