Small businesses need hands-on help with cyber security
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Firms confront too much information but insufficient practical guidance when it comes to digital lockdown, says COSBOA.
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Vulnerable small businesses need help with cyber security as part of the government’s push to make Australia the most digitally locked down nation by 2030, according to the sector’s representative body.
COSBOA chair Matthew Addison said the missing ingredient in the 2023–30 Australian Cyber Security Strategy was how small firms could implement appropriate systems.
“Small businesses tell us that they hear about cyber security risks but don’t know what to do or if they can do anything,” said Mr Addison.
“They also tell us there is so much information they don’t understand.”
He said COSBOA supported “action-based behaviour change information for small businesses” and that the development of its Cyber Wardens model was to “enable education and enhanced security for the people in small business.”
The council said the goal of its submission was to advocate greater education services, investment in cyber security infrastructure, and a balanced approach to its regulatory requirements for small businesses.
One of its recommendations was that any legislative changes or reforms regarding cyber security that the government enacted should be accompanied and supported by government-endorsed best practice guidelines to help small businesses understand how to follow the change.
COSBOA also recommended government support for educational programs such as Cyber Wardens — which it launched in association with CBA and Telstra — which would supply practical advice on how small businesses could ensure they were compliant with introduced regulations.
The organisation said an expansive roll-out of its Cyber Warden program as a designated cyber essentials certification scheme would strengthen and support the uptake of cyber security services and technologies in Australia.
“Subscription to the scheme would enable small businesses the capacity to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data stored on devices that connect to the internet,” said the submission.
“The Cyber Warden scheme would form a cornerstone of the strategy and would establish a set of baseline technical controls to help SMEs improve their cyber defences and publicly demonstrate their commitment to cyber security.”
COSBOA also advocated against the penalisation of firms for non-compliance, as the council sought to protect small businesses from further penalties as they recover from the pandemic and several economic challenges.
Family Business Australia’s acting chief executive Andrea Moody said the organisation supported an expanded role out of COSBOA’s Cyber Wardens program.
“Family Business Australia is proud to support the Cyber Wardens program, we believe this initiative will provide valuable training and resources to help individuals and organisations protect themselves against cyber threats,” said Ms Moody.
“As family-owned businesses are often targets of these threats, it is crucial to educate our members and the broader community about cyber security best practices.”
Representing over 40 years of experience, Henry has built his professional relationship upon advising private clients on their financial and taxation affairs. Henry is a trusted advisor to a number of private enterprises and family business owners, providing financial and tax directions at the family and corporate levels. He ensures that tax and financial governance requirements are managed without fuss. Henry is proud to lead a team with a diverse skillset that manages the balance of a smaller firm but with a strong commercial and practical approach to business and taxation matters.
He has worked in insolvency, taxation, audit and general business services over a number of years and his personal passion is in the area of business planning, superannuation planning and estate planning especially in respect of intergenerational wealth transfer.
Kevin Lau - Principal
Kevin is a Chartered Accountant and a Principal at APNL.
With over a decade of experience, he brings broad taxation expertise to the firm in the areas of compliance accounting, business advisory and tax consulting for Small Medium Enterprises (SME’s).
Kevin takes pride in offering a personalised approach to his clients. Recognising the unique challenges each business faces, he provides tailored strategies to navigate the intricate tax landscape, fostering growth and ensuring compliance.
His clients have benefited from his broad taxation expertise and commercial acumen including those in manufacturing, hospitality, advertising, property, healthcare, professional services and a range of other industries.
Kevin has a keen interest in the superannuation industry, assisting clients with their retirement and estate planning needs.
In his spare time Kevin enjoys playing soccer, snowboarding, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
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APNL Pty Ltd Chartered Accountants and Advisors ("APNL") understands that in globalising world, protection of your privacy and information is of the utmost importance. We are dedicated to protecting your personal information especially the collection, use and storage of information. At APNL, we understand the significance you place on information that identifies you ("your personal information"), and we are committed to assisting you in safeguarding it.
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The Financial Transactions Reports Act (1988) (Cth)
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Taxation Administration Act 1997 (Vic)
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth)
A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth)
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