Government to further extend SME cyber support
The Albanese government has announced the launch of the Small Business Cyber Resilience Service.
The government has revealed it is committed to aiding small businesses in cyber support and security with the launch of a new cyber initiative.
The Small Business Cyber Resilience Service would help SMEs prevent and recover from cyber incidents, according to Minister for Small Business Julie Collins.
Collins said the initiative was sparked by the significant impacts cyber crimes have had on Australian small businesses in recent years.
“I know how critical it is for Australia’s small businesses to have the help they need to prevent and recover from cyber incidents,” she said.
“Cyber crimes can have devastating impacts for small businesses, with the average cost of a cyber incident around $46,000.”
The government said IDCARE would provide the service to facilitate free, tailored one-on-one assistance to help SMEs navigate cyber challenges, bolster cyber resilience and recover from a cyber incident.
Case management support was also launched, such as mental health support for small business owners who have experienced mental health struggles after a cyber attack.
In the 2022–2023 financial year, 94,000 cyber crimes were reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
Minister Collins said the small business cyber resilience service was a key initiative under the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy.
It was also part of the over $60 million government investment to help SMEs improve their cyber and digital capabilities.
This included $23.4 million for the Cyber Wardens program that provided small businesses with free online training to help identify cyber safety practices.
IDCARE managing director David Lacey said he was enormously grateful for the investment from the federal government in cyber resilience for small businesses.
“For the past 10 years, our team has been working with small businesses across the country after they’ve experienced a scam, identity theft or cyber incident,” he said.
“These are the people who have taken a risk and put their blood, sweat and tears into their idea which forms the backbone of the Australian economy.”
“Being able to further assist these small businesses with their cyber resilience is vitally important and we look forward to providing tailored assistance.”
The government said it had also invested $7.2 million into the establishment of a voluntary cyber health program.
This allowed businesses to undertake a free, tailored self-assessment of their cyber security maturity.
In addition to this, $18.6 million was invested in the digital solutions program.
Minister Collins said this, along with the new service initiative, helped small businesses adopt digital tools and grasp opportunities that going online offered.
“The government’s small business statement outlines more than $640 million in targeted support for small businesses to ease pressure, support small businesses to grow, and level the playing field.”
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