Big cyber security questions for small business
The 2021 State of Cyber Fitness in Australian small businesses white paper explores new data on the security challenges that Australian small business owners face following a year where their reliance on technology grew exponentially.
Cynch Security, Deakin University and RMIT University, supported by AustCyber formed a coalition to collaboratively embark on one of Australia’s largest cyber security projects to research the cyber fitness of Australian small businesses.
“...the pandemic is likely to accelerate the long-term transformation of the economy through technology and increased demand for cyber security.
Supporting small businesses to do this safely and securely is crucial and I hope the data contained within this report helps readers to gain a better understanding of small business cyber security norms and behaviours – not just in Australia, but also globally.”
84% of Australian small businesses have adopted online services and rely on up to 30 seperate technologies.
2 out of 5 small businesses have direct experience with a cyber incident worthy of reporting at some level.
72% of small businesses consider cyber security as very important while only 50% rate physical security the same
Less than 15% of small businesses have paid for outside cyber security help in the past 12 months.
19% of small businesses spent $0 on cyber security over the past 12 months.
Explore ways to support small businesses with Cyber Fitness
Help businesses understand cyber risks and responsibilities
Speak plainly, avoid jargon
Keep small budgets in mind
Encourage war stories – and wins – to be shared
Offer expertise that’s within reach of small businesses
Simplify and share solutions
Discover steps you can take in your own business
Help your team stay aware of cyber threats.
Talk openly with your team, and your peers, about cyber fitness.
Find cyber security professionals that use plain language.
Make smaller changes with the resources you already have.
Remain alert, but not alarmed.
Get help from providers that understand how the world works for small businesses – they’re likely small themselves!
