Cyber security for small businesses in Australia

A guide to cyber security for small businesses in Australia

Cyber security for small businesses is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s a must. But where do you begin when the costs of running a business are already high? One thing to remember is that small businesses in Australia are definitely being targeted by cyber criminals, who see them as easier targets due to limited resources and often minimal security protections.

Why Cyber Security Awareness is Crucial for Small Businesses in Australia

Small businesses are often seen as low-hanging fruit. According Scamwatch, over 249,448 cyber crime reports were lodged in 2024, with over $20 million lost to phishing. The average cost per cyber crime report for small businesses  was around $49,615 — a significant hit for any organisation.

If you assume that your business is “too small” to be on a hacker’s radar, you’d be wrong. The reality is that automated phishing campaigns and credential harvesting tools are a low barrier of entry to criminal activity, and deploying them is a numbers game. Many criminals won’t care if you’re small or large, as long as there is a potential financial advantage. 

Implementing Essential Cyber Security Practices

Cyber Security Tools Every Small Business Needs

Foundational security practices can go a long way in keeping your business safe. Start with:

• Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to lock down access to critical systems. Yes it’s an extra step for you, but it’s also an extra step for the criminal, and many will just move on.
• Avoiding public Wi-Fi for business use -  always use secure, password-protected networks.
• Anti-virus software, firewalls, and encryption tools to protect your data, devices, and communications.
• Regular software updates and secure backups to ensure you can recover quickly if something goes wrong. 

These tools provide a first layer of defence, but your strongest asset and biggest risk is actually your team.

Creating an Employee Cyber Security Culture

The goal should be to make your team, your best and first line of defence.  All it takes is one click on a malicious link for cyber criminals to gain a foothold, deploy malware or request a fraudulent funds transfer. That’s why it’s critical to create a culture of cyber awareness where your employees know that ‘verify first’ is the best way to keep safe.

Some of the best learnings are knowing how to spot phishing emails and understanding what to do in case of a suspected attack, regular, engaging and relevant training can empower staff to make the right decisions in the moment.

No matter your size, cyber security for small businesses should be a priority, not an afterthought. With the right tools, training, and mindset, you can protect your business, your customers, and your reputation, and we can help!

For a demo of our human risk platform, which includes security awareness training, phishing simulations and episodic digital media – contact us today, and we can show you how easy it is to set up your team’s learning path.

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