The rise of cybercrime facing Aussie businesses
If you run a small to medium business, you might think that cybercrime only affects large companies or that cyber protection is something ‘I’ll get to’ when the budget is bigger or when you have time.
However, SMBs (small to medium businesses) are becoming an especially lucrative target for cybercriminals. A report by the ACSC (Australian Cyber Security Centre) in 2022 estimated annual losses of $127,000 for SMBs.
While, SMBs face different challenges than large companies - managing competing business priorities with fewer resources, making it more difficult to prioritise prevention when it comes to cyber-attacks.
Underestimating the risk of these attacks, however, is one of the biggest mistakes businesses can make.
Wait, what is cybercrime?
Cybercrime is just as it sounds – a criminal act that happens online.
Australians are facing progressively capable cybercriminals that can gain access to what matters most to your business - money, data, and reputation.
Bank accounts, email systems, and business devices are just some of the devices that are open for attack.
How can we protect our assets?
To help keep your business protected, we recommend this 4-step plan:
Have a secure firewall.
Share your files and emails via the cloud.
Set up a secure, cloud-based data backup solution.
Round-the-clock monitoring.
Step 1
Have a secure firewall.
Why do I need this?
A firewall monitors traffic coming in and out of your network – and it can block selected traffic, as a preventative measure against cybercriminal tactics (such as ransomware).
How does it work?
Stops the latest ransomware methods and breaches from entering your network.
Provides detailed post-threat information, detailing where it got in, what it touched, and how it was blocked.
Users are still protected when the device is taken off-site.
Step 2
Share your files and emails via the cloud.
Why do I need this?
Email is one of the most common sources of entry for cybercrime and utilising cloud-based systems allows for more flexibility, scalability, and reliability for your team. Sharing files and emails via the cloud also protects your organisation’s sensitive data from flood, fire, or other natural disasters.
How does it work?
Added protection with in-built security.
Access your emails, documents, and programs from anywhere, anytime.
Only pay for what you need.
Step 3
Back it up (back, back)
Why do I need this?
Reduce risk to your business with automated continuous backups, giving you peace of mind that your data can be recovered. Even if critical emails or files are lost by error, accident, or malicious deletion.
How does it work?
Back up not just files and folders, but collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Google Drive.
Three daily automated backups and perform additional backups as needed.
Recovers lost data quickly whilst retaining file and folder structure.
Step 4
Round-the-clock monitoring.
Why do I need this?
There is no such thing as ‘set and forget’ for cyber security and being proactive is essential. If something does require attention, your support personnel can provide rapid responses to faults or your questions, providing peace of mind.
How does it work?
Rapid response to faults and questions 24/7.
Monthly reporting of events, systems, health, and concerns.
Reduced hourly rate if work is required.
Expertise to consult on the suitability of new software, hardware, and their possible impacts.
Preventative solutions and less downtime.
Need further help?
This may seem like a lot for the average business – however, not all businesses are the same. That’s why a tailored approach with a cyber security expert will ensure you can have peace of mind, at a price that fits your business budget.
NTIT are your local cybercrime experts.
Our experienced team at NTIT can provide clear solutions (in easy-to-understand language!) to keep your systems secure. We provide honest recommendations based on best practice, and our experienced team are here to work with you.