If you run a small to medium business, statistics confirm that you operate on the edge of catastrophe from cyber threats seeking easy prey. Recent numbers revealed that nearly 50% of reported cyber incidents in Australia directly strike small/medium businesses, with 60% unable to recover post-breach due to crippling costs (Source: Australian Cyber Security Centre).
Sobering reality checks when even giants like Optus grapple with major attacks. Yet SMBs cling to the false notions of “we’re too small” or “it can’t happen to us” while crossing their fingers that hackers overlook their data or a vulnerability in their network.
In an era where digital threats are ever-evolving, cybersecurity is not just a concern for large corporations but equally critical for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The key to effective cybersecurity in SMEs lies not only in robust technology but also in cultivating a culture of security within the organisation. This blog aims to be a starting point with some high level points SME owners can take and use to build and nurture this culture, ensuring their business and data remain secure in the face of growing cyber threats. We will be posting more in-depth posts on each point, but, if you believe your business is missing most or all of these points, don’t wait, contact us now!
Understanding the Importance of a Security Culture
Cybersecurity culture refers to the values, beliefs, and behaviors regarding cybersecurity that are shared among all members of an organization. In a small business, this means everyone from the CEO to the newest employee plays a part in keeping the company safe from digital threats. A strong cybersecurity culture can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, protect customer information, and maintain the business’s reputation.
Steps to Cultivate a Cybersecurity Culture in Your SME
1. Leadership Involvement and Commitment: The journey towards a strong cybersecurity culture begins at the top. Business leaders must not only endorse cybersecurity policies but actively participate in them. This commitment demonstrates the importance of cybersecurity to the entire team.
2. Regular Training and Awareness Programs: Employees are often the first line of defense against cyber threats. Conduct regular training sessions to educate your team about the latest cybersecurity threats and safe online practices. This should include identifying phishing attempts, secure password practices, and safe handling of sensitive information.
3. Clear Communication of Cybersecurity Policies: Develop clear, concise, and accessible cybersecurity policies. Ensure that these policies are communicated effectively to all employees and that everyone understands their role in maintaining security.
4. Foster an Environment of Openness: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting potential security threats or mistakes without fear of retribution. An open culture encourages proactive identification and resolution of security issues.
5. Implement Strong Password Policies: Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords for all systems and applications. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
6. Regularly Update and Patch Systems: Keep all software and systems up to date with the latest security patches. Regular updates are crucial in protecting against known vulnerabilities.
7. Encourage Safe Internet Practices: Educate employees about the risks associated with unsafe browsing, unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and the downloading of unauthorised software or attachments.
8. Plan for Mobile and Remote Work Security: With the increase in remote work, ensure that employees understand how to secure their home networks and the importance of not using public Wi-Fi for work-related tasks without a VPN.
9. Conduct Regular Security Audits and Assessments: Regular audits help identify vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure and processes. This also helps in understanding how effectively the cybersecurity culture is being adopted.
10. Reward and Recognise Good Security Practices: Acknowledge and reward employees who adhere to security policies and contribute to a safer IT environment. Recognition encourages others to follow suit.
11. Ensure that your business is well protected with Cyber Insurance: The majority of business owners that I speak to, if they don’t have Cyber Insurance, have one of two response:
We reached out to Amy McDougall from PSC Insurance Brokers. She works with businesses from every vertical of every size and she had this to say about the topic of business owners and Cyber Insurance:
“A common question we get of “Optus got hacked cause they’re well known, we aren’t that big, so we will never get hacked.” Nearly half, or 48%, of the reported cyber incidents in Australia are linked to SMEs, and an estimated 60% of these small and medium-sized enterprises struggle to endure after such incidents due to the immediate financial burdens they incur. The vulnerability is magnified by the fact that even major entities like Optus, investing substantial amounts, are susceptible to breaches. The prevalence of cyber threats is evident in the daily occurrence of numerous incidents involving Australian SMEs, although these are frequently overlooked due to their sheer volume.”
Again, the above quote says a lot about the level of education business owners have on the topic of Cyber Security.
Overcoming Challenges
Building a culture of security in a small business environment comes with its unique set of challenges. Budget constraints, limited IT resources, and a lack of cybersecurity expertise are common issues. To overcome these challenges:
Proactive Monitoring and Insurance
- Leverage External Expertise: If your business lacks in-house cybersecurity expertise, consider consulting with cybersecurity firms that specialise in SMEs.
- Utilise Free or Low-Cost Resources: There are many free or affordable cybersecurity tools and resources available specifically designed for small businesses.
- Prioritise and Focus on High-Impact Areas: Focus on implementing security measures that will have the most significant impact, such as employee training and secure password practices.
For SMEs, establishing a culture of cybersecurity is essential in safeguarding against digital threats. It requires continuous effort, education, and engagement at all organisational levels. By embedding cybersecurity into the core values and everyday practices of your business, you create a formidable first line of defense against cyber threats. Remember, in the realm of cybersecurity, a proactive and informed team is your best defense.
If you’re unsure that your business is fully protected, contact us today, don’t delay.
If you wish to discuss your specific business cyber insurance requirements with Amy McDougall and to check you’re fully covered as some brokers will say you are, but you’ll be missing a very important piece (speaking from experience and Amy caught it during a checkup), you can reach her:
Her email:
amcdougall at pscinsurance dot com dot au ;
or on her mobile: + 61 429 899 145
Thank you to Amy for helping with this article. It’s greatly appreciated and her skills and knowledge are immeasurable.