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A recent survey discovered that most Australian small business (SMB) owners associated tech-savviness directly equates to adequate skills in cyber security, leaving them open to potential threats.
Recently, the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) launched a ‘Cyber Wardens’ pilot initiative. This program was designed to allow SMBs to learn how to protect themselves from cyber threats and scams.
Keith Howard, CBA Chief Information Security Officer, noted, “With a focus on practical behavioural change rather than technical jargon, Cyber Wardens will arm small business employees and owners with simple steps to protect their personal and professional lives online. It’s great to work closely with COSBOA and Telstra to help create a frontline defence against cyber threats with Australia’s five million-strong small business workforce.”
A study published in 2021 noted that SMBs are becoming more and more attractive targets for threat actors because they are missing the resources larger companies have in deterring potential security breaches.
COSBA asked 89 Degrees East to survey SMBs before the Cyber Wardens launch. The survey was to identify small business owners’ competency level and their general attitude towards cyber security.
The survey noted that most owners or employees of small businesses who are part of the first digitally native generation, Gen Z, are the most likely group to rate cybersecurity low or medium threat. According to ABC News business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens, the survey found “members of Gen Z were among the least cyber-safe, lacking the awareness and key competencies of cybersecurity compared to their older colleagues. Of all the age cohorts, Gen Xers and upper Millennials in their 30s are the most likely to take cybersecurity seriously. Older cohorts are also more familiar with cyber security risks than Gen Z.”
Furthermore, the survey uncovered that those who belonged to GenXers and upper millennials are more likely to take cyber security seriously. According to COSBOA chairman Matthew Addison, “Don’t just assume your kids or younger employees are the safest pair of hands when it comes to online activity.”
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