Over 50% of emerging and small businesses in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban experienced one or more incidents of crime in the past year. 17 Jul 2008

USA - A judge's ruling in the Viacom vs. YouTube case sets a new and permissive standard for parties seeking to get their hands on the data companies retain about their customers. While not a legal precedent, the ruling will serve as a reference in future cases, potentially laying bare the trail of search terms we all leave behind. 14 Jul 2008

USA - As an 11-year veteran of e-commerce, web design writer and home business expert, Dennis Gaskill, was used to seeing sales slow down in the weeks leading up to the tax filing deadline. At the time, he attributed his sluggish sales to consumer concern over rising oil prices and the overall economy. After a few more weeks of further declining sales, however, it became clear that this was more than a short-term fluctuation. 11 Jul 2008

USA - Retailers should use the standards set by the Payment Card Industry as a starting point when ensuring that their customer data is as secure as possible, suggests Kristin Lovejoy, IBM's director of corporate security strategy. 10 Jul 2008

In June, actor-comedian Desmond Dube led a massive anti-crime march dubbed the Million Man March Against Crime on the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The event signalled South Africans' growing concern and anger about crime. 4 Jul 2008

NEWSWATCH: Major supermarket and retail chains in the Western Cape have said there's been an increase in shoplifting, IOL reports. The focus of these thefts, however, has shifted from luxury goods, such as clothing, jewellery and electronics, to everyday necessities like food and domestic appliances. 3 Jul 2008

Global denim brand Levi Strauss' South African division has thrown down the gauntlet to the counterfeit syndicates that are importing, producing and selling fake merchandise in the country and thereby crippling the local retail industry. 2 Jul 2008