Protect your business from cyber threats
Taking your business online can have its benefits, but it can also increase the risk of scams and security threats. Learn how to identify how cyber secure your business is and how to strengthen your business against cyber threats.
.
1. Learn the basic security measures
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has steps you can take to protect your business and staff from cyber threats. This includes information on:
- turning on multi-factor authentication
- securing your accounts
- updating software
- backing up information
- protecting your business data
- educating employees.
2. Develop a cyber security policy
A cyber security policy helps your staff to understand their responsibilities and what is acceptable when they use or share:
- data
- computers and devices
- emails
- internet sites.
3. Protect your customers
It’s vital that you keep your customers information safe. If you lose or compromise their information it will damage your business reputation, and you could face legal consequences.
Make sure your business:
- invests in and provides a secure online environment for transactions
- secures any personal customer information that it stores.
If you take payments online, find out what your payment gateway provider can do to prevent online payment fraud.
There are laws about what you can do with any personal information you collect from your customers. Be aware of the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and have a clear, up-to-date privacy policy. If your business is online, it’s a good idea to display your privacy policy on your website.
4. Consider cyber security insurance
Consider cyber insurance to protect your business. The cost of dealing with a cyber-attack can be much more than just repairing databases, strengthening security or replacing laptops. Cyber liability insurance cover can help your business with the costs of recovering from an attack. Like all insurance policies, it is very important your business understands what it is covered for.
5. Stay up-to-date on the latest risks
Keep up with the latest scams and security risks to your business. Sign up for the ACSC Partnership Program for access to up-to-date information on cyber security issues and how to deal with them.
6. Get cyber security advice
Australian Cyber Security Hotline
If you want to talk to someone about cyber security, the ACSC has a 24/7 Cyber Security Hotline.
The hotline provides over the phone support to both prepare for and respond to cyber incidents. Learn more on the ACSC website or call 1300 CYBER1.
Hot Issues
- Key tax changes and measures from the 2026 Federal Budget
- Federal budget 2026: Winners and losers
- A breakdown of 2026-27 Federal Budget Themes and Papers.
- ATO reminds practitioners to avoid common FBT mistakes
- Why every business should have an AI policy
- RSM welcomes updated PCG on transfer pricing for inbound distributors
- Major super tax changes now law
- ATO taking a closer look at investment properties
- Choosing the right trustee structure for your SMSF
- Succession planning and why it should be at the top of your to-do list
- From Bricks to iPhones: The Evolution of the Telephone
- Inflation continues to keep SME owners up at night, survey finds
- Payday Super: 6 Things Small Businesses Need to Know
- ATO issues new guidance on penalties for non-compliance with STP
- Strategies for Effective Debt Recovery for Small Businesses
- Succession planning to remain major focus for ATO this year
- Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Guide – Key Checklist & Rates
- Buy an existing business
- Most Valuable Industries in the World 2026
- Will a shareholders agreement protect a business from a family law dispute?
- ATO crackdown on profit restructuring leading to higher tax bills: RSM
- Super balance not a priority for young Aussies, SMC reports
- When to Update Your Business Trading Terms
- Support for rebuilding after natural disasters
- Are you ready for Payday superannuation?
- Calculate your costs to start a business
- Most Reliable Car Brands in 2026
- Payday super part 2: not quite ‘all systems go’
- Privacy Compliance Sweep 2026: Is Your Business Ready?
- 6 ways to improve your business plan
- ‘Looking like a rough start’: SMEs set to feel the pinch as CPI spikes
- Student loans debt update
Article archive
July - September 2023 archive
- Contractor payments (TPAR) are increasingly on the ATO’s radar
- Superannuation and independent contractors: fresh Full Federal Court guidance
- Intergenerational Report 2023
- Property investors beware: new data matching program
- When will we learn to protect ourselves from ourselves?
- Federal Government toughens up employment laws.
- Small Business Tax Time toolkit for 2023.
- Oldest Buildings in the World
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO) target areas for tax time 2023
- Taxing unrealised capital gains a grave concern: Burgess
- Protect your business from cyber threats
- Is your content making you income?
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO) ride-sourcing data-matching program extended
- How a registered trade mark can grow your sales and your business
- The top modes of transport in the world
- Considerations When Negotiating a Resolution
- Things you can do in our digital office
- Working from home expenses for 2023
- Five questions that indicate how financially literate you are.
- New laws come into effect from July 1
- Preparing for EOFY tax scams with business and cyber resilience
- Any tax debts in arrears?
- Scammers continue to fleece unsuspecting victims
- Top 50 Greatest Cuisines