A new cyber health check program has been launched for small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them to carry out a free assessment of their security measures.
The Federal Government will spend $7.2 million to deliver this voluntary program as part of the Australian Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2030.
Businesses will have access to educational materials to improve employee skills and strengthen cybersecurity.
Companies with higher risks will also have access to more sophisticated third-party assessments.
A further $11 million will go toward the Small Business Cyber Resilience Service, which provides one-to-one support to help Australia’s 2.5 million small and medium-sized businesses overcome challenges, including recovering from attacks.
Home Secretary Claire O’Neill said the Cybersecurity Strategy would help Australia become “the world’s leading cybersecurity and resilient nation by 2030”.
“We understand the challenges small businesses face in the complex world of cybersecurity, but they cannot be solved alone,” she said.
“The Australian Government Cybersecurity Strategy will ensure support is available for the Australian Government to understand and improve its own cybersecurity.”
Small Business Minister Julie Collins said the fact that 97 per cent of Australian businesses are small businesses means small businesses are the foundation of the digital economy.
”That’s why the Albanon Government will continue to put them at the heart of our efforts to address cyber security threats and help them improve their cyber capabilities to create a stronger Australia,” she said.
This cyber strategy is underpinned by six so-called “cyber shields” that can help businesses better protect themselves and recover quickly in the event of an attack.