Cybercrime is a real risk for any business, with data showing 43% of all cyberattacks are targeted at small business. [1]
The Territory Labor Government is investing $1.5 million over the next three years and $850,000 ongoing to strengthen cyber security controls protecting governments ICT network, as well as better supporting Territorians and Territory businesses to be cyber safe.
The cyber security package includes:
- enhanced ICT security control systems and tools
- additional cyber specialist technical resources
- digital cyber security and awareness program to promote cyber safety in government, businesses and the community
- Cyber Security Operations Centre - a central base for NT Government personnel, service providers and police to work together to prevent and respond to cyber threats.
As part of the package, free Be Cyber Smart presentations are being held in Darwin on 9 October and Alice Springs on 12 October to help businesses protect against cybercrime. The presentations provide practical advice on IT security and how to understand threats and better protect against them.
The sessions include a briefing from an ethical hacker about the techniques used to compromise a business, Australian Cyber Security Centre advice on practical cyber security protections and a presentation on Defence cyber security requirements, delivered by the Australian Governments Centre for Defence Industry Capability.
Cyberattacks on businesses are varied and can include malware, ransomware, financial fraud and the theft of intellectual property or commercially sensitive data, which can undermine and disrupt a business, and lead to costly remediation measures.
Cybercrime costs can include lost business payments from business email compromise, ransom payment to obtain business data, lost business days and business disruption and reputation damage.
Be Cyber Smart Presentations are hosted by the NT Government in partnership with the Australian Governments Australian Cyber Security Centre and Centre for Defence Industry Capability; and the Darwin Branch of the Australian Information Security Association.
Businesses that supply to or bid for Defence work are especially encouraged to attend to learn more about cyber security requirements for Defence suppliers.
Register to attend at www.BeCyberSmart.nt.gov.au
As noted by the Minister for Corporate and Information Services, Lauren Moss
Cyber security is important and attacks on businesses can lead to reputational damage, costly disruption and financial loss for small businesses.
Cybercrime can affect any business, no matter how small the enterprise, and it is important that business owners have the tools to recognise the threats and avoid being the next victim.
The Be Cyber Smart presentations provide practical advice to business about potential cyber threats, and how IT security and related business practices can protect their business.
As noted by Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Nicole Manison
NT businesses have fallen victim to cybercrime, with a Darwin business recently losing $65,000 to online fraud.
With the right IT protections businesses can reduce the risk. [2]
