In any endeavor, there is always a risk factor. Online, there have been a lot of press about credit card theft, and identity thefts. However, these have been mainly focused on the consumer. Businesses have always been more concerned about scams.

David Airey’s situation is quite unique.

Most business related cases have been about “cyber squatting” – http://www.lectlaw.com/files/inp23.htm where the owner of the domain name is not the owner of the brand. Here is an interesting aside for those interested to know which famous brands do not have their own domain names: Professional Sports

David’s is the first case I know where a blogger has been targeted for a commercial blackmail: Google Mail Hacked. David has documented it quite clearly and it is apparent that the hacker had executed a very well planned attack.

So, if you are going to go for Internet Marketing, you do need to be aware that online security is not just for the big boys. If you are making slightly more than pocket change (PR-0 guys like me have no worries, then…), then, you could be a potential target. Many small businesses scrimp on things like security – virus protection, spam protection, back up and so on. It’s fine if nothing happens. But just like fire insurance, you sure as hell wish you had them when disaster strikes.

For those not technically savvy, it is best to have professional help in setting up your online presence. Sure, it can be easily done. But is it secure? Heck, would you even know if it weren’t?