The majority of small-business owners are concerned about cyber security, with 60% taking extra precautions like firewalls, encrypted emails and multi-layer password protection, according to a survey conducted in August by payroll provider SurePayroll. That’s a slight increase over last year’s figure of 56%, according to the company.

The SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard optimism survey also found that 85% of respondents would be willing to inconvenience customers if it meant better protecting customers’ online security when using the company’s products, services or websites.

“It tells you just how serious this issue has become for business owners, regardless of size,” said Andy Roe, general manager of SurePayroll. “It’s not just the big chains that are focused on security right now. Small-business owners understand that any sort of breach or lack of confidence when it comes to online security could have a big impact.”

The study comes on the heels of a Counselor PromoGram report last week about a recent data breach at distributor firm Casad Company (asi/168375). The company said that in June and July hackers were able to access customer data such as names, mailing and email addresses, and credit and debit card information. 

SurePayroll, an online payroll services company, compiles data from small businesses across the nation each month, focusing exclusively on the trends affecting “micro-businesses” with an average of six employees. The Scorecard also found that small-business owners are slightly more optimistic about the economy than they were last year at this time, with 72% expressing confidence, a 2% year-over-year increase.