Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack is encouraging Aussie small businesses to take part in Stay Smart Online Week to understand the practical steps they can take to protect themselves from cybercrime.
The Minister said more small businesses are falling victim to cybercriminals than ever before, as criminals look for any opportunity to extort funds from unprotected businesses.
“In a rapidly changing online world small businesses need to be equipped to manage the challenges that cybercriminals and syndicates pose,” McCormack said.
“I encourage all small businesses to learn more about the risks of being online and how to protect their business.”
Currently, cybercrime is estimated to cost the Australian economy more than $1 billion a year. Of these crimes, 43 percent target small businesses.
McCormack encouraged small business owners to take steps to improve their security before it is too late. He urged small business owners to take advantage of Stay Smart Online Week initiatives to strengthen their security,
“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.
“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.
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. “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 www.acorn.gov.au or www.scamwatch.gov.au
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