One cybercrime reportedly occurs every seven minutes on average. Cybercrimes can have serious consequences such as financial loss, damage to reputation and even personal harm.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has released new resources for small business as it renews calls to report cybercrimes amid the rising incidence of attacks.

An updated Cyber Security for Small Business Guide and accompanying video developed by the ACSC outlines steps Australians can take to protect their online information and assets, including:

• using multi-factor authentication – a multi-step account log-in process to add an extra layer of security to online accounts
• regularly backing up important data to a safe and secure location
• regularly updating software and devices to the latest security patches
• being alert when opening emails and clicking links
• using security software like anti-virus
• using strong and unique passphrases for all accounts
• educating employees.

The ACSC recommends businesses create an emergency plan for cyberattacks and test it using the ‘Exercise in a Box’ tool. The tool is interactive allowing you to simulate an incident, and then provides prompts to ensure that you have considered your defence and response.

Businesses are also urged to report cybercrimes immediately to ReportCyber amid the growing number of cybercrimes impacting Australians.

Reports submitted are quick and anonymous and will be referred directly to the relevant state or territory law enforcement agency.

Each report is vital to the ACSC and law enforcement, helping authorities build a better understanding of cyber threats and trends and protect other Australians from similar attacks.

The ACSC’s Report and Recover page offers guidance for anyone who may have been impacted by a cybercrime or cyber incident.

The Have You Been Hacked? tool helps users step through scenarios to determine what to do when faced with a cybercrime, taking necessary steps to recover and secure their accounts if their details have been compromised.

ACSC Assistant Director-General Standards, Technical Advice & Research, Dan Tripovich said: “We’ve worked to make it easier for businesses to take action to secure their accounts, protect their devices and information, and prepare their staff.”

Victorian Chamber Executive Director – ICT Glenn Goodwin said: “Every day we hear from members about situations where they or their staff have been defrauded or hacked.

“The tips provided by ACSC are a great starter to get you secure. As a business, setting up multi-factor authentication on your email, bank accounts and other software will decrease the risk to your business significantly.”

How the Victorian Chamber can help

The Victorian Chamber understands the importance of cybersecurity and can help businesses learn the essential skills needed to protect business assets for their business, employees and customers.

Our self-paced learning course, Cyber Security Essentials for Business, helps explain:

• what cyber security is and why it is important
• how you can help protect business assets
• what you can do to protect information online
• how cyber scams work and what to look out for
• how to identify and manage malicious software incidents
• where to identify resources that can uplift your cyber security maturity.

The module can be completed remotely at any time and will take around 20-30 minutes to complete. More information and registration is available at Cyber Security Essentials for Business - Selfpaced Learning.