COSBOA champions Cyber Wardens program to protect small businesses from cyber crime
The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) is leading the charge in protecting small businesses this October, during Cyber Security Awareness Month, with its active involvement in the Stop the Hack campaign.
Designed to confront the growing threat of cyber crime, COSBOA is encouraging small businesses across Australia to bolster their cyber security practices and enrol in the free Cyber Wardens training program.
The Stop the Hack campaign is a key initiative within the broader framework of the National Cyber Strategy led by both industry and government, to raise awareness about cyber threats and provide businesses with practical solutions. COSBOA, a key member of the Executive Cyber Council, is working alongside government and prominent industry leaders, including ACCI, Microsoft, CommBank, Telstra, Meta,Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN), Medical Software Industry Association (MSIA) and the Business Council of Australia, to promote stronger cyber defences for Australian businesses.
COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat highlighted why there is a critical need for small businesses to act now.
“Cyber Security Awareness Month is a reminder for small businesses to stay vigilant and secure online. Cyber crime is escalating, and small businesses are particularly vulnerable. This month is an opportunity for businesses to learn how to safeguard their digital operations and take proactive steps to protect themselves.”
The Cyber Wardens program, developed specifically for small businesses, provides essential training to help them implement better security measures. Achterstraat noted that four simple actions can make a significant difference in protecting a business from cyber threats: activating multi-factor authentication, applying software updates, avoiding password reuse, and learning how to recognise phishing emails.
“While cyber threats are evolving, these straightforward practices can drastically reduce the risk of an attack. The Cyber Wardens program offers a simple, accessible way for small businesses to train their staff and stay protected,” Achterstraat added.
A clear and growing threat
Cyber crime continues to pose serious risks to small businesses in Australia, with the average financial loss per attack reaching $46,000. Businesses can experience devastating downtime, often losing up to 25 hours of operational time in the aftermath of an attack. Compounding these issues, nearly 95% of breaches are caused by human error, making proper training and awareness critical.
Achterstraat noted that small businesses represent 43% of all cyber crime targets. The need for robust security practices has never been greater, especially as a cyber crime is reported every six seconds in Australia. Following a cyber attack, small businesses may also experience a dramatic loss in customer trust, with up to 30% of customers discontinuing their patronage post-incident.
“Cyber crime is not just a financial issue for small businesses – it’s a threat to their reputation, their customer base, and their future growth. The Cyber Wardens program is designed to be an accessible and effective way for small businesses to protect themselves and thrive in a secure digital environment,” Achterstraat stated.
Join the Cyber Wardens program today
COSBOA urges small businesses across Australia to take immediate action during Cyber Security Awareness Month by enrolling in Cyber Wardens. This free program provides the tools and knowledge to secure business operations against cyber threats and helps foster a culture of vigilance and security within small business teams.
Learn more and sign up at www.cyberwardens.com.au
-ENDS-
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact Luke Achterstraat, Chief Executive Officer, COSBOA on ceo@cosboa.org.au or call +61 (0) 433 644 097.
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