The Christmas season may be a time of festive celebration but small businesses are warned that this season is also an opportune time for cybercriminals to strike.
Cyber Wardens, the cybersecurity eLearning program of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) and supported by the government, has warned that cybercriminals will take advantage of the Christmas rush to catch out small businesses through schemes such as fake invoices, scam customer complaints, and refund requests that have become more difficult to spot.
Cybercriminals are also fleecing rising amounts of money from operators, with the latest Australian Signals Directorate figures showing that the average cyber attack costs $49,600 to a small business.
Given such rising threats, Cyber Wardens has launched a new small business guide to offer practical advice to help small-business owners safeguard their businesses.
The guide, Deck the Halls with Cyber Safety, offers simple, actionable steps to help small businesses bolster their digital defences and quick holiday-themed reminders to keep owners and their staff cyber-safe.
COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraaat said the guide and the program were important tools to consider after a challenging year for small businesses.
“It’s no secret that small businesses have done it tough this year, and owners should be able to look forward to the festive season with a sense of positivity and hope – not fear of a cyber attack,” Achterstraaat said. “But the reality is cyber criminals know small businesses are juggling holiday orders, staff schedules, and last-minute to-dos, so they ramp up their efforts, hoping to catch you off guard.
“Cyber criminals are becoming increasingly savvy and tactical, and it is critical that every small business takes steps to shore up their online defences. The Cyber Wardens program is free and easy to complete, and the introductory course only takes ten minutes,” he added.
Achterstraat also urged small-business owners to ensure their entire team is armed with the knowledge and tools they need to keep their business safe online.
The Cyber Wardens program offers a range of course options, including a ten-minute Foundations course, which can be accessed at cyberwardens.com.au.
