Cyber Security Awareness Month: Tips for Business Owners

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, a great time for all Australians to take a closer look at their online security. This year’s theme, “Cyber security is everyone’s business,” highlights the importance of keeping both personal and business information safe from rising cybercrime threats. For small business owners, protecting your data and customer information is key to maintaining trust and ensuring business continuity.

While small businesses are often targeted by cybercriminals, improving your cyber security doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are four simple steps to help protect your business.

1. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second step, like a code sent to your phone, along with your password.

• Why it’s helpful: If someone gets your password, MFA can still block them from accessing your accounts.

• How to do it: Most platforms, including email and social media, offer MFA in their security settings. Check your business accounts and enable it wherever possible.

2. Stay Safe with Regular Software Updates

Hackers often exploit outdated software. By keeping your devices and software updated, you ensure your business has the latest protections in place.

• Why it’s helpful: Updates often include security fixes for vulnerabilities that hackers target.

• How to do it: Turn on automatic updates for your devices and software. Many providers also have guides to help you enable this.

3. Strengthen Your Passwords 

Simple passwords are easy for hackers to guess. Instead, use passphrases, which are longer and harder to crack but easier to remember—like a series of random words.

• Why it’s helpful: Strong, unique passphrases make it much harder for hackers to access your accounts.

• How to do it: A password manager can help you store and generate secure passwords for all your accounts.

4. Spot and Report Phishing Scams

Phishing scams, where fraudsters try to trick you into sharing sensitive information, are becoming more common and sophisticated.

• Why it’s helpful: Reporting phishing scams helps prevent financial loss, protects sensitive information, and reduces the risk of damage to your business’s reputation.

• How to do it: Learn to spot phishing attempts by looking for suspicious links, unfamiliar email addresses, or urgent requests for personal information. Educate your team to do the same and report anything suspicious right away.

Cyber Security for Your Business

For more cyber security tips, resources, and guides, check out the official Cyber Security Awareness Month page on the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s website here. You’ll find everything from basic security measures to comprehensive guides on protecting your business from cyber threats.