SMALL business owners across Australia are encouraged to take part in Stay Smart Online Week by taking simple steps to ensure that they don’t fall victim to cyber criminals.
Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack said cyber criminals don’t discriminate when looking to extort or disrupt operations and often take advantage of small businesses.
“In a rapidly changing online world small businesses need to be equipped to manage the challenges that cyber criminals and syndicates pose,” Mr McCormack said.
“I encourage all small businesses to learn more about the risks of being online and how to protect their business.
“Cybercrime is estimated to cost the Australian economy more than $1 billion a year, and around 43 per cent of cybercrimes are targeted at small businesses.
“There are practical steps that small businesses can take to improve their online security to ensure that personal information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
“Setting strong passwords, making sure your software is up-to-date, backing up your important data and knowing what to look for with online scams are just some of the ways can work towards improving the online security of your business.
“Stay Smart Online Week is the perfect time to take steps to improve your cyber security and to talk to family, friends, and colleagues about internet safety.
“Everyone has a role to play to ensure Australia’s cyber security and Stay Smart Online Week is a great opportunity to ensure you are taking effective cyber security measures.
“If you think you or your business has been targeted in a scam or cyber-attack you can take action. You can report suspicious online activity at the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network website or at the Scamwatch webpage.”
Stay Smart Online Week, from 9-13 October, is a national awareness raising initiative to encourage Australians to be more proactive about their cyber security.
For more information about Stay Smart Online Week 2017, visit the Stay Smart Online website.