• by Chuck Martin , Staff Writer, September 18, 2017

Many companies are concerned about IoT security, and mid-sized companies may just be at the head of the list.

The majority (73%) of mid-market companies say they are at risk for an IoT security breach and even more (92%) are concerned about the potential of ransomware, according to a new security study.

Almost a quarter (22%) of companies with 200 to 499 employees said they already had experienced a security attack.

The study comprised a survey of 300 top executives in charge of the security or technology functions in companies with between 200 and 3,000 employees and was conducted by Survey Sampling International for Arctic Wolf Networks, a security company.

Media and entertainment leads the list of industries having experienced a security attack, according to the survey. Here are the incidences of ransomware attacks, by industry:

• 63% -- Media, entertainment, leisure
• 44% -- Construction and property
• 33% - IT, technology and telecom
• 27% -- Manufacturing and production
• 27% -- Education
• 20% -- Consumer services
• 16% -- Business/professional
• 14% -- Healthcare
• 14% -- Transportation

One of the main reasons small and medium sized businesses can be a target is the lack of resources for technology compared to much larger companies.

The other issue is the pervasiveness of the Internet of Things. The survey found that 100% of companies use at least one IoT device.