Only a tiny proportion of small businesses have adopted ecommerce, despite estimates that consumers spend up to £1 billion a month on internet products and services.

Only 3% of small firms conduct their business online, according to research carried out by NTA Monitor, the internet security firm. The firm says more SMEs should think about the move, given the growing confidence consumers have in the internet.

With press attention so focused upon the security risks of e-commerce, coupled with the discovery of new computer viruses on a seemingly daily basis, many entrepreneurs are shy away from the medium.

This year, 70% of retail firms with ecommerce offerings have made a profit compared with 50% in 2003. Now more than 10% of credit card transactions come from online purchases.

Roy Hills, managing director of NTA Monitor, believes many companies are unnecessarily worried about the security risks involved in e-commerce.

He said: “Retailers worry that their online store can be hacked and brought down or customer data stolen.

“Security is a business enabler and the simple solution is regular testing such as NTA’s Web Application Testing service, which will give peace of mind about the level of security of such a site.”

A number of companies specialise in helping small businesses set up a website, helping those without the technological know-how to get their business online.

Hills added: “Whilst e-commerce at first glance might appear risky, this is simply not the case. There is much potential for profitability and SME’s should follow in the footsteps of larger corporations into online ventures.

“With the proper outsourcing, testing and security, e-commerce is the way forward.”