Cyber security

Be prepared, stay secure

Many small businesses think they are too small to be targeted, but hackers know that small businesses often have weaker security compared to large companies.  As a part of your operations you might collect sensitive, personal and commercially confidential information. The last thing you want is for this to fall into the wrong hands.

How can I protect my business?

Taking simple steps can make a big difference with your safety online. Things like using strong passwords, keeping software updated, and training your staff to spot scams can make a big difference in protecting your business.

We have created a useful acronym to help you remember the steps for protecting your business from cyber attacks, called STAR.

1. Stay secure
Set password requirements for your businesses devices – where possible, use multiple factor authentication (MFAs). Do not click on suspicious emails and attachments.

2. Train staff
Ensure you and your staff undergo cyber security training.

3. Act fast
If you or one of your staff accidentally clicks a link or encounter a suspicious activity such as an email from an unknown sender, contact the Australian Cyber Security Hotline on 1300 292 371) as soon as you can.

4. Refresh regularly
Check your security settings regularly and update your operating systems when notified.

Taking an informed and proactive approach will help you to minimise the risks when it comes to cyber security.  For more information we have a Cyber Safety Tool Kit (PDF 346.2 KB) to help you protect your business.

Cyber security resources

Digital Support Tasmania: Safeguarding Your Business Video Series

The Safeguarding Your Business: Essential Cyber Security Topics is a quick-hit video series offering practical tips on key cyber threats facing businesses today:

• Passwords and Password managers
• Ransomware
• Cyber Security for Small Business
• Data Hacks on Mobiles
• Is Your Business Spoof Proof?
• Is Your Password Easily Hackable?

Australian Cyber Security Centre

• Small business step-by-step guides
• Easy steps to secure your devices and accounts

Have I Been Pwned?
Have I Been Pwned? You can check whether your data has been compromised via this online tool, and you can sign up to be notified if your data is compromised in future breaches.

IDCARE
IDCARE is a Small Business Cyber Resilience Service delivering free, tailored one-on-one assistance to help navigate cyber challenges, bolster cyber resilience and recover from a cyber incident. You can speak with their responders if experiencing an incident, or their analysts for cyber health consults.

Australian Cyber Security Centre
The Australian Cyber Security Centre has a page dedicated solely to cyber safety for small and medium businesses. 
There is also a comprehensive small business cyber security guide produced by the Australian Government to keep you safe and up to date.

Cyber Wardens program
The Cyber Wardens program is a free short training course funded by the Australian government to protect small businesses from daily online threats. No tech skills required.

Scamwatch
One of the most common cyber security issues for your business can come through a scam. Scamwatch have a page specifically dedicated to helping small businesses to be alert and have safeguards in place, along with up-to-date cyber alerts. Not sure you'd know how to spot a scam? Scamwatch has lots of resources on identifying cyber risks, as do the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Business.gov.au
Business.gov.au can also help you to identify threats to your business including common scams. If you think you've been scammed, report it here.