A CYBER ATTACK ON A SMALL COMPANY CAN COST THEM ABOUT $280,000

available, such as email addresses and the names of key decision makers in an organisation, to prey on unsuspecting targets.

We have all had the hoax energy bill or fake email from a bank directing us to click on a link to view your bill or account details.

These opportunistic emails, often with an official logo, aim to trick you into opening a link or attachment that will then download malicious software, enabling the cyber criminal to access your system and do untold harm.

One of the most tricky and deceptive forms of cyber crime is the increasing use of social against such threats, then it leaves itself vulnerable to this form of attack.

One of the simplest and most effective strategies to combat this issue is to ensure that all staff are made aware of this potential risk and that they question emails that do not look right or that do not sound like the type of communication that would normally be sent by a particular person.

Ensuring that processes are in place internally while educating employees to be aware of the risks and exercise vigilance will mitigate potential risks and reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of cyber attack.

The Victorian Government has implemented a cyber security strategy that aims to protect the state from digital attacks and a specialist security officer will be appointed.

Deakin University’s Centre for Cyber Security Research is part of the $139 million Cyber Security Co-operative Research Centre — Australia’s biggest collaborative investment to date in cyber security between industry, government and universities.

Cyber security is not only a technology issue — it is a fundamental business issue that affects everyone.

In this digital era where businesses are exposed to an ever-increasing number of cyber threats, taking steps to mitigate such risks is essential regardless of business size or industry.