In Australia, small businesses are the most targeted group when it comes to cyber attacks. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), a cyber crime is reported every six minutes, and 43% of attacks impact small businesses.
The average cost of a cyber breach for a small business is $49,500 – can you afford that?
Many small business owners assume they’re too small to be noticed, but that’s exactly what makes them attractive to cyber criminals. With fewer resources, less protection, and no dedicated IT team, small businesses are often seen as easy targets.
If you send emails, store customer details, patient or financial information, take online payments, or manage supplier records, you are at risk because you hold data that is highly attractive to cyber criminals.
What is a cyber attack?
A cyber attack is any attempt to gain access to your business systems, steal data, or cause disruption. Here are the most common attacks on small business:
- Phishing: fake emails that trick someone into handing over passwords or payment information
- Ransomware: where files are locked until you pay a ransom
- Malware: software that damages or spies on your systems
Clicking one bad link in an email can lead to a serious breach.
Why are small businesses targeted?
Cyber criminals see small businesses as low-hanging fruit, and here’s why?
- They often have less cyber security protection in place
- Staff may not have formal training on how to spot scams
- They store valuable data like customer details, patient information, payment details and supplier records
- They may not have a dedicated IT team monitoring for unusual activity
Cyber Breach Response Checklist
If a breach occurs, quick action matters. Here’s a simple checklist:
- Identify and contain the breach
- Notify your TSSP or IT support (like HNT4B) to begin immediate response protocols
- Report if required under the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme
- If legally required to do so, inform affected parties. Even if you are not legally required to, consider doing so for ethical reasons and to maintain a positive public image
- Review and strengthen security measures
- Seek legal advice from a specialist cyber security lawyer on your obligations
Real Consequences of a Cyber Breach
When a cyber breach happens, the impact is more than just internal. Here’s what all small business owners need to prepare for.
1. You may be legally required to notify customers
If your business suffers a data breach that involves personal information, like names, phone numbers, medical or payment information, you may need to report it under Australia’s Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme.
This means:
- Telling affected customers what happened
- Letting them know how it may affect them
- Reporting the breach to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Failing to comply can result in large fines and damage to your relationship with customers.
2. Regulators could launch an investigation
After a breach, you may be asked to show that you took “reasonable steps” to protect the sensitive data you hold. This includes having basic security measures in place, such as password protection, up-to-date software, and safe storage of personal information. The reasonable steps will be based on your adherence with the Government recommended Essential Eight list of risk mitigation controls. If the OAIC or other regulators find that your business didn’t meet these standards, they may issue public warnings, demand changes, or apply penalties.
3. You could be in Breach of Contracts
Many business agreements, even simple service or supply contracts include requirements around privacy and data security. If you suffer a breach, you may be in breach of these contracts.
This could mean:
- Losing the trust (and business) of key partners or clients
- Being required to pay compensation
- Having to cover the costs others incur because of your breach
4. You could face legal action from customers or staff
If customers or employees are harmed by the breach they may take legal action
If your business is held responsible and you didn’t have reasonable protections in place it can lead to expensive claims and cause stress and damage to your brand, especially in smaller communities or industries.
5. Your reputation is on the line
Beyond the legal side of things, there is also the impact on your brand. A single cyber attack can undo years of hard work building a strong customer base.
- Will customers feel safe sharing their information with you?
- Will partners trust your systems?
- Will your name be associated with security risks?
What is compliance?
Compliance simply means following the rules that apply to your business.
These rules can come from:
- Government laws (like privacy or tax laws)
- Industry standards (like health, safety, or cyber security expectations)
- Agreements or contracts you’ve signed with customers, partners, or suppliers
When talking about compliance, it means making sure your business is doing the right thing according to laws and regulations.
Cyber Wardens Program
Cyber wardens is a free, non-technical cyber training initiative developed by the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA) and supported by the Australian Government. It assists small business staff to learn how to spot cyber risks and stay alert. Even if you don’t have an IT team or TSSP, a trained Cyber Warden in your business can make a big difference. Learn more at cyberwardens.com.au
Did You Know? Australia’s Essential Eight Framework
The Essential Eight is a risk mitigation framework, from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) with a number of recommended steps or controls, designed to help businesses protect themselves against cyber threats.
What this means for small business
At Harvey Norman Technology for Business, we work with small businesses across Australia every day. The reality is, cyber crime is one of the fastest-growing threats to small business and the legal and business consequences can be severe.
Our Technology Services and Cyber Security solutions are designed to support Australian small businesses, to keep your business running securely and stress-free. Whether you are a sole trader, director or business owner with 2-200 employees, it’s never too early to take cyber threats seriously.
Working with a Technology Services and Solutions Provider (TSSP)
Running a small business means wearing a number of hats, but cyber security doesn’t have to be one of them. That’s where a technology services and solutions provider (TSSP) come in. A TSSP partners with small businesses to help take the pressure off, offering services like:
- Monitoring systems for unusual activity
- Helping set up secure networks and backups
- Proactively managing your IT environment
- Supporting you through a cyber incident if it happens
A TSSP makes sure your business is protected, your systems are running smoothly, and that you are meeting the right standards.
Conclusion
You don’t need to be a cyber security expert to protect your business, you often need the right partner. At HNTFB, we understand the unique challenges small businesses face when it comes to digital threats.
We work with small businesses across Australia every day to deliver practical, secure and affordable solutions, including cyber security solutions to help keep your systems secure, your operations running smoothly, and your reputation intact.
With HNT4B as your TSSP, you’ll have access to:
- Advanced cybersecurity solutions to protect against emerging threats
- Insights on Australian laws and regulations
- Proven strategies to secure sensitive financial and customer information
- Best practices for security, compliance, and risk management
- Proactive management of your IT system environment, reducing risk and ensuring optimal performance
- Help desk support for all IT-related issues
- 24/7 monitoring by an expert security team
Cyber crime is growing fast, but so is our commitment to helping small businesses stay ahead. Let us take the stress out of cyber security, so you can focus on what matters most, protecting your customers and growing your business.
Protect your business today! Don’t wait for a breach to happen, contact us today to secure your business with our enterprise-grade IT and cyber security solutions.
