Consumer vs. Commercial-Grade Cyber Security: What every business should know

In today’s digital age, cyber security is critical for everyone. From individual consumers to businesses of all sizes, the threat of cyber attacks is growing. However, the needs and approaches to cyber security can vary significantly. Understanding these differences can help in making decisions about protecting sensitive business data and maintaining customer trust. For all business owners it is critical to understand the difference between consumer and commercial level cyber security.

What is consumer level cyber security

Consumer level cyber security is designed for individuals and households. It focuses on protecting personal devices like smartphones, laptops, and home networks. The main goal is to keep personal information, such as banking details, social media accounts, and personal photos, safe from unauthorised access.

Key features of consumer level cyber security include:

• Antivirus Software: Protects against malware and viruses.
• Software Firewalls: Blocks unauthorised access to personal devices.
• Password Managers: Helps in creating and storing strong passwords.
• Parental Controls: Monitors and restricts children's online activities.

These tools are generally easy to use and require little to no technical knowledge. They provide a basic level of protection suitable for everyday use. However, while effective for personal use, consumer level cyber security does not offer the multiple layers of protection needed for secure business environments.

Commercial level cyber security

Commercial level cyber security is designed for all businesses no matter the size. It focuses on multiple layers of defence, in line with government guidelines, and provides stronger protection. It is critical for any business that stores customer data, financial records, and especially sensitive business data to ensure it is safe from unauthorised access.

Key features of commercial level cyber security include:

• Data Encryption: Ensures sensitive business data is securely transmitted and stored.
• Multi-layered Protection: Uses multi-factor authentication, advanced threat protection, and application controls.
• Access Controls: Manages who can access specific data, ensuring only authorised personnel have access.
• Incident Response Plans: Helps businesses to respond effectively to cyber attacks, minimising damage to the business, recovery time, and business reputation.
• Network Security: Protects the entire network from cyber threats, ensuring the integrity and availability of business operations.

These tools and strategies are complex and often require specialised IT knowledge to implement and manage. They are designed to provide a higher level of protection required for business environments. While implementing commercial level cyber security can be challenging, the benefits of protecting sensitive customer data, maintaining industry compliance, and safeguarding the business’s reputation, far outweighs the difficulties.

Device Security and Management

For businesses and sole traders, managing and securing devices is a critical part of commercial level cyber security. This involves ensuring that all devices used within the business, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, are protected against cyber threats and managed effectively.

Key aspects of device security and management include:

• Regular updates to ensure that all devices have the latest security updates and patches installed.
• Mobile device management tools to allow businesses to manage and secure employees mobile devices ensuring compliance with security policies and industry recommendations.
• Device encryption on devices to protect sensitive information in case of loss or theft.

Why It Matters

Understanding the difference between consumer and commercial level cyber security is important. While consumer level solutions might be enough for personal use, it does not offer the comprehensive protection needed for everyday business operations. This can leave a business non-compliant with privacy and cyber security laws and guidelines. Commercial level solutions, though challenging to implement and manage, provide the robust security necessary for any business environment.

Understanding these differences helps business owners make informed decisions about their cyber security needs, ensuring they choose the right tools to protect their customers and their business effectively. Working with a technology services and security provider can further enhance security, provide peace of mind and allow business owners to focus on growth and innovation.

Device security and management is just as important, as it ensures all devices used within the business are secure and compliant with security policies. This helps in protecting sensitive business data and maintaining the overall security of the business network.

The Vulnerable Bookkeeper

Imagine a business owner who runs a bookkeeping service, that manages financial records for several local businesses, handling sensitive information such as bank account details, tax records, and payroll data. The business owner uses a consumer level cyber security solution, including basic antivirus software and a software firewall to protect a laptop and smartphone.

One day, the business owner receives an email that appears to be from a trusted client. The email contains an attachment labelled “urgent financial documents”. Without suspecting anything, the business owner opens the attachment, which secretly installs malware on their laptop. This malware allows cyber criminals to remotely access the device and steal sensitive information.

Why Commercial Level Cyber Security Would Have Helped

If the business owner had implemented commercial level cyber security, the outcome may have been very different. Here’s how:

• Commercial level cyber security includes advanced threat detection systems that could have been identified and blocked the malware before it compromised the laptop.
• All sensitive data on the laptop was encrypted, making inaccessible to cyber criminals, even if they managed to install malware.
• Access controls implemented, restricting who could access specific data and systems, preventing unauthorised users from accessing sensitive information.
• Having an incident response plan in place would have allowed the business owner to quickly respond to the cyber attack, mitigate damage, and notify affected clients promptly.
• Commercial level solutions often include regular security updates and 24/7 monitoring, ensuring that devices are protected against the latest threats. This ensures a swift response before any damage is done to the business and its reputation.

This example highlights the importance of using commercial level cyber security for businesses that handle customer information. While consumer level solutions might offer basic protection, they are not sufficient for safeguarding business data. By investing in commercial level cyber security, the business owner could have protected client information, maintained their reputation, and avoided the financial and legal repercussions. This is why the Australian Government has published and mandated the essential eight cyber security risk mitigation framework. The essential eight is mandated because it is what is necessary for a business. Anything less Is negligent.

The Essential Eight

The Essential Eight is a set of strategies recommended by the Australian Cyber security Centre (ACSC) to help businesses protect themselves against cyber threats. These strategies are designed to be practical and effective, providing a comprehensive approach to cyber security.

This framework assists in:

• Reducing risk by addressing common variables and reduces the likelihood of a successful cyber attack.
• Ensuring compliance to many regulatory frameworks and industry standards.
• Protecting sensitive data with strategies like data encryption and access controls, businesses can better protect sensitive information from unauthorised access
• Regular backups and incident response plans ensure that businesses can quickly recover from cyber incidents, minimising downtime and financial loss.

By adopting the Essential Eight, businesses can create a strong foundation for their cyber security efforts, ensuring they are well-protected against evolving threats. The multi-layered approach mandated by the Essential Eight cyber security risk mitigation framework highlights the difference between a consumer and commercial grade solution. Customers expect a business to take the necessary steps to protect their privacy and valuable data, especially sensitive data like financial information or health records.

Consumer vs. Commercial Level Cyber Security When Integrating AI

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into business operations can significantly enhance efficiency, decision-making, and innovation. However, the security measures required to protect AI systems can vary greatly between consumer and commercial level environments. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Consumer level solutions are suitable for individuals offering basic levels of protection and ease of use. In contrast, commercial-level solutions provide comprehensive, scalable, and customisable security, essential for protecting business environments.

Working with a Technology Services and Security Provider (TSSP)

Navigating the complexities of commercial level cyber security can be overwhelming. A technology services and solutions provider offers the expertise needed to assist business owners manage their cyber security needs effectively.

By partnering with a technology services and security provider, businesses can leverage advanced security measures without the need for an in-house team. This ensures that the business’s digital assets are well-protected and compliant, allowing the business to focus on what’s important.

How We Can Help

Harvey Norman Technology for Business specialises in complete IT solutions that enhance cyber security, protect critical data, and maximise the efficiency of your IT systems, specifically designed for all businesses, including sole traders.

• Simplified IT | Enterprise-grade solutions, secure networks, and expert technology services made easy and stress-free.
• Proactive Protection | 24/7 monitoring, real-time threat detection, compliance-ready security, and preventative system maintenance.
• Cyber security | Secure backups, recovery management, advanced threat protection, and rapid incident response.
• Local Expertise, Nationwide Support | Access to a world-class help desk, backed by personalised service and the support of a trusted national brand.

We understand the challenges of staying ahead of evolving cyber threats, compliance regulations, and maintaining optimal IT performance. Our goal is to assist businesses, to safeguard sensitive business data, minimise risk, enhance system efficiency, and stay protected.

With years of industry experience, a dedicated team, and valuable industry insights, we deliver advanced solutions that protect IT systems, keep businesses secure and compliant, and reduce exposure to risk, all while ensuring compliance with Australian laws and regulations.

Here’s how we support you:

• Advanced cyber security 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

We believe all businesses, no matter the size, deserve reliable and affordable cyber security and IT solutions. We are committed to delivering secure, reliable, and easy-to-implement solutions that safeguard businesses and help them thrive.

Harvey Norman Technology for Business is a trusted partner, empowering business owners with cyber security and technology solutions to keep their business safe, secure, and ready for growth.

Contact us today for more information on how we can help your business.