BUSINESS CYBER SAFETY

IS YOUR BUSINESS CYBER SAFE?

By Georgie Desailly SAFE?

With COVID-19, we are increasingly working in the digital sphere, so it’s crucial to make sure local businesses have effective cyber security in place to protect themselves from cyber attacks.

As businesses continue to expand their commitment to remote workforces, North Queensland has taken an important step in accelerating the growth of the local cyber security industry with the opening of AustCyber’s Townsville Cyber Security Innovation Node, which is digitally transforming the cyber security capability of key sectors in the region.

HOW REAL IS THE THREAT

CYBER ATTACKS HAVE INCREASED 600% since COVID-19

ON AVERAGE IN AUSTRALIA 164 Cyber Crimes are reported per day

60% of SMEs will go out of business following a cyber attack.

Source: Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)

The Node, which launched in March, will play an integral role in helping local businesses address their increasing exposure to cyber-related risks and implement preventive strategies to help build cyber resilience. Chief Executive Node Innovation Officer, Miranda Mears, says the rapid increase of business digitalisation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has seen cyber attacks soar to new heights over the last 12 months. “With COVID-19, we are increasingly working in the digital sphere, so it’s crucial to make sure local businesses have effective cyber security in place to protect themselves from cyber attacks,” explains Miranda. “The speed at which we have transitioned to a digital business environment has given rise to new challenges and seen cyber attacks increase by 600% since the start of the pandemic.” Through the deliverance of educational programs and events in the region, Miranda says the Node will work towards changing public perception around cyber security and highlight the competitive business advantage it can offer. “The Node will ensure Townsville and North Queensland businesses are educated on the process, can identify risks and implement the necessary frameworks to protect themselves from these sophisticated attacks,” she continues. “Many businesses have a requirement in their contracts to be cyber safe, so not only is it beneficial from a business continuity perspective, but it can also potentially create a competitive business advantage when it comes to future collaboration.”

With businesses continuing to expand their digital footprint, the Node has recently launched a series of free SME chats for local businesses who are wanting advice on how to reduce their increasing exposure to cyber-related risks. “Every month I have dedicated days where I am purely available to meet with small businesses and discuss how they can integrate cyber security with their business strategy to build their digital trust and create value,” says Miranda.

“This is a free service that is designed to identify ways to strengthen the cyber security of local businesses in the region and ensure they can continue to thrive in this new post-Covid era. “We must work together as a community to ensure cyber safety becomes part of our culture because once that happens it will be much easier for everyone to naturally become more secure.”