Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that tap into the potential of the web to boost their sales have been warned to make sure they have "top security" protections.

Accepting payments over the internet can be hazardous for both buyers and sellers and government-backed initiative Get Safe Online urged SMEs to get advice on their security measures before entering the ecommerce sphere.

"On the technology side SMEs are becoming wiser, but my concern is related to other areas, things such as ecommerce, when businesses start trading online," said Tony Neate, managing director of Get Safe Online.

"It is not something they can do on their own; it's something they need to get advice on. People need to get third party advice."

Mr Neate added that credit card companies have recently taken action to help alleviate the threats from buying online.

Regulations from these financial services groups must be heeded by SMEs offering their products or services over the web, he urged.