Cyber Aware Report

Cyber Aware Report

The NSW Small Business Commissioner has partnered in a national study to investigate cyber security awareness amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Australia.

Given that small businesses account for more than 97% of Australia’s business landscape, it is imperative they continue to increase their awareness of cybercrime and take steps to protect themselves.

The cost of cybercrime to businesses in Australia is rising exponentially, costing Australians an estimated $1 billion each year.

Some statistics:

Cybercrime costs businesses globally more than $3 trillion annually.

• 42% of SMEs nationwide believe they can protect their business from cybercrime by limiting their online presence.
• 55% of SME owner-operators continue to unknowingly expose themselves to cybersecurity risks.
• Four out of every five SMEs recognise that the risk of their business becoming a victim of cybercrime is increasing.
• Nationally, 74% of SMEs feel well informed about the risks of cybercrime to their business.