Australian small businesses will be able to access a new federally funded cyber resilience service by the end of the year.
The federal government has awarded trans-Tasman cyber identity protection and incident response not-for-profit, IDCARE, an $11.1 million contract to deliver the service.
The service will be available to small businesses with fewer than 19 full-time (or full-time equivalent) employees, including sole traders.
2.5 million businesses eligible
Federal Minister for Small Business Julie Collins said that service aimed to help an estimated 2.5 million businesses.
“Cyber crimes can have devastating impacts for small businesses, with the average cost of a cyber incident around $46,000,” she said.
“That is why the Albanese Labor Government is investing in critical new supports to help small businesses harness the opportunities of digital technology and keep them safe while doing so,” she added.
Attractive targets
IDCARE managing director, Dr David Lacey said that small businesses were attractive targets for cyber criminals.
“They are owned by hardworking Australians, many who are struggling to stay a step ahead and juggle multiple priorities. Cyber incidents come out of left field and cause major disruptions. We know many small businesses struggle to recover,” Dr Lacey said.
“At IDCARE, we help provide these small businesses the support they need to understand how to respond to a cyber incident and protect themselves going forward.”
More details about the cyber resilience service can be found here.