Government to help SMEs improve cybersecurity

The federal government has revealed that it is committing $18.2 million towards helping SMEs improve their cybersecurity resilience and ability to respond to cyber attacks.

The government will invest $7.2 million to establish a new voluntary cyber health check program to allow SMEs to undertake a free, tailored self-assessment of their cybersecurity maturity. SMEs with higher risk exposure will be able to access a more sophisticated, third-party assessment to provide additional security across national supply chains.

In addition, $11 million will be invested in the Small Business Cyber Resilience Service, which will aim to provide one-on-one assistance to help small businesses navigate their cyber challenges, including recovering from a cyber attack.

The investments form part of the soon-to-be-announced 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy and are designed to support the government’s goal of making Australia a world-leading cybersecure nation by 2030.

Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Clare O’Neil said the support for SMEs will be critical because research shows that such businesses are more vulnerable to the impacts of cyber attacks, which can cause serious financial and reputational damage.

“We understand the challenges that small businesses face in the complex world of cybersecurity, but they are not on their own. The Australian Government’s cybersecurity strategy will make sure the support is available to help them understand and improve their own cybersecurity,” she said. “The strategy is underpinned by six cyber shields, with strong businesses and citizens at the core of these shields.

“Uplifting the cybersecurity of our small businesses is integral to a cybersecure and resilient nation, and this dedicated support will make a huge difference in their preparedness and resilience.”

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