October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, a time for all Tasmanians to improve their cyber security knowledge and take action to protect their information and devices. The Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre is encouraging all businesses to 'be cyber wise, don’t compromise' and participate in Cyber Security Awareness Month by sharing information with their staff and networks.

Training, implementing security protocols and keeping awareness top of mind are all key planks of making cyber security a priority for your business, and part of your business as usual framework.

There are 4 simple steps you can take to be cyber wise and significantly boost your cyber security:

• Update your devices regularly
• Turn on  multi-factor authentication
• Back up your important files
• Use passphrases and password managers

Cybercrime reports are increasing, but by taking these simple steps everyone can play a part. The ACSC's latest Annual Threat Report found that during the 2021-22 financial year, one cybercrime was reported every 7 minutes, a 13% increase from the previous financial year. Check out the video from ACSC below on what Cyber Security Month is all about.

The Digital Ready program takes cyber security for Tasmanian business seriously, and we know that managing risk is about simple, but consistent steps in your business to avoid vulnerabilities and being scammed, as well as taking the time to consider things like password safety and the veracity of email and text links.

Human error is a large part of cyber security breaches in small business, and mostly that comes down to the overload and overwhelm of small business owners trying to get everything done, or missing moments like updating security files, changing passwords, or taking the time to set up two-factor authentication. If you want to learn more, you can do our quick cyber security training as part of the Digital Ready Fundamentals online course.

We have a world of helpful blogs, videos and factsheets on all things cyber security for your business on the Digital Ready website, why not let us help you use October as the month you get cyber wise.