Simple mistakes include failing to install a software update in a timely manner, putting a computer in sleep mode instead of shutting it down, and sharing passwords with team members.

Locking your digital doors

A big part of the issue stems from a limited understanding of the frequency and impact of cyber attacks, which is ultimately holding small businesses back from protecting themselves.

Artificial intelligence, for example, is enabling scammers to mimic the language, tone and cadence of authorities, including the Australian Taxation Office, making it even more difficult to spot a scam.

“I’ve never met a small business owner who isn’t competent and capable of protecting their physical assets, such as their premises, their cars and other physical securities. But cyber security is often the last thing on the list and after a long day at work, it’s forgotten about,” Achterstraat says.

“In today’s challenging economic environment, it can be even harder for a small business to allocate resources to areas such as cyber security.”

Cyber safety culture

The need for a cultural shift and national thinking has led to the development of Cyber Wardens, which is a behavioural change program designed to embed a culture of cyber safety in every small business in Australia.

Launched in 2023, the national initiative from COSBOA is supported by the Federal Government and an industry alliance led by Telstra, CommBank and the Australian Cyber Security Centre to help protect SMBs from online threats.

“It’s critical that small business owners acknowledge the acute threat cyber crime poses, and lock their digital doors in the same way they would lock up their homes and businesses. The Cyber Wardens program gives small business owners and their staff the skills and understanding to protect themselves from cyber crime.

“Cyber Wardens is working to ensure Australia’s 2.5 million small businesses operate in a cyber-safe environment, as online scams and fraud continues to rise. Just like workplace safety officers help to keep their small business safe from physical hazards, Cyber Wardens will use the same skills to prevent and protect against digital threats,” Achterstraat says.

The fast, free online Cyber Wardens training course helps protect small businesses and their staff from cyber threats, and provides them with tips like upgrading passwords, implementing multi-factor authentication, backing up data and regularly updating software.

Stop scams, don’t get hacked. Help protect your small business from cyber threats with the quick and easy Cyber Wardens program, so you can get back to the business of doing business.

Visit cyberwardens.com.au for free small business cyber security online training.