Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is encouraging Central Cast businesses to take advantage of a new digital resource aimed at helping protect against identity theft and data breaches.
Launched by the NSW Government, ID Support is designed to support businesses of all sizes and features information and tips on how to stay cyber aware, as well as interactive learning modules and printable checklists.
Tesch said it was important for small businesses to be proactive when tackling cyber security issues and to remain vigilant.
“Cyber security is of real concern to Australian small businesses,” she said.
“Even minor cyber security incidents can have lasting impacts on small businesses – and sometimes the effects of these incidents can be truly devastating.
“It’s important to recognise that not every business is going to bounce back from the impact of what might appear to be a minor cyber security incident.
“In our increasingly digital world, it makes sense that small businesses would want to safeguard themselves against threats to their cyber security by arming themselves with information, skills and strategies.
“It’s really pleasing to see – through initiatives such as ID Support from the NSW Government – that it’s becoming easier for small businesses to locate and access the information and resources that could make a real difference to cyber security incident prevention.”
An Australian Cyber Security Centre survey released in 2020 found 62 per cent of small businesses across Australia have experienced a cyber security incident.
Almost half of those surveyed rated their understanding of cyber security as average or below average and had poor cyber security practices.
Small businesses seeking information on how to stay cyber secure can visit www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/small-business.
Businesses requiring cyber security support can contact ID Support NSW Advisors during business hours on 1800 001 040.
Alternatively, they can fill out an online contact form, available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/contact-id-support
Another initiative being undertaken by the NSW Government to help protect NSW residents online and build cyber security awareness is the release of a new type of credential technology that will benefit holders of MyServiceNSW accounts.
This new feature informs people if their ServiceNSW login credentials have been compromised.
This complements the new Password Strength Tester, launched earlier this month, which helps people create strong passwords and check whether their password has previously been disclosed in a data breach or leak.
Community members are also encouraged to visit Tesch’s office at 20 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy, to pick up a copy of The Little Black Book of Scams, an internationally recognised resource to help the community learn about scams.
Source:
NSW Government