ATO emphasises cyber hygiene during tax time
The ATO has reminded businesses to secure their online platforms, systems and processes to prevent cyberattacks during tax time.
The risk of cyber events impacts every business and the ATO has advised all businesses to induce a comprehensive plan to prevent a cyberattack occurring.
The average cost of cybercrime in the 2022-23 financial year reached $46,000 for small businesses, which can be avoided in future if specific precautions are taken.
Simple steps to safeguard from cyberattacks include ensuring all staff members are aware of cyber threats, as well as reinforcing protection of accounts, devices and classified information.
Australians have lost $113.3 million in scams over the 2024 calendar year so far, according to beta scam statistics from Scamwatch.
To protect your business from cyber breaches during tax time, the ATO has provided extra advice to ensure businesses are tightening their cyber security.
This includes updating all operating systems, downloading antivirus software and accessing government services by typing the correct website address directly into browsers.
The ATO also outlined the importance of disregarding any disingenuous messages or emails, avoiding clicking on links which require personal information and hanging up on any suspicious phone calls claiming to be the ATO.
Taking these extra precautions during tax time will ensure businesses are protecting their classified information and financial security against cyberattacks, the ATO said.
All scams can be reported to
