A recent member survey revealed that 74 per cent of businesses are confident in their cyber defences, however this conflicts with cyber industry knowledge that businesses are unaware of the high probability that they will, at some point, suffer a cyberattack. When asked, 73 per cent would also be more inclined to strengthen their data security with government support.

Our top three game-changers include:

• Cyber Health Clinics: Establish industry-led cyber health clinics to provide local, face-to-face solutions to uplift business cyber security with trust.
• Cyber Safe Score: Establish a Cyber Safe Score that rates the level of cyber security maturity of businesses and any of their commercial products and services to boost competitiveness and secure supply chains.
• Apprenticeship training model: Adopt a cyber security apprenticeship training model to give students the practical work experience they need to directly enter the workforce.

The policy position advocates for the Government to implement bold cyber policies, educational institutions to develop cyber security apprenticeships with extensive practical work experience, financial institutions to invest in more secure technologies, and digital devices and software to be secure by default.

Our policy details 24 recommendations, or ‘game-changers’, which have been developed using our in-house cyber and policy expertise, through extensive consultation with small, medium and family businesses, telcos, tech giants, social media platforms, health providers, education institutions, banks and other critical infrastructure.

For a full copy of the Victorian Chamber’s Cyber Security and Scams Policy Position, visit victorianchamber.com.au/policy-and-advocacy/initiatives or contact the Media Team.

To be attributed to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra:

“In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is imperative that governments and businesses prioritise cyber security. As we navigate an increasingly technology-driven world, our reliance on interconnected systems and data sharing has reached unprecedented levels.

“Our policy position is not just a set of guidelines; it’s a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive and strategic framework that underscores the significance of safeguarding our digital landscape and the very foundation of our economy. Supply chain cyber risk is increasing, and a breach in one business - however small - can have significant ripple effects.

“It is incumbent upon governments and businesses to not only adopt but champion these cyber security principles. The vision is clear - Australia must aspire to become the most cyber secure nation in the world by 2030. To achieve this ambitious goal, collaboration between the government and the business community is paramount.

“We stand ready to work with governments, businesses, and all stakeholders to ensure that our policy position translates into concrete actions.

“Our objective is to make it easy for small, medium and family businesses to increase their cyber security.”