Australia's Cyber Security Minister Clare O'Neil and Small Business Minister Julie Collins have jointly announced a substantial investment of $41.6 million aimed at bolstering the cyber defences of small businesses in the country.
This initiative is a key element of the upcoming 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, expected to be officially released this week.
Representing 97% of all Australian businesses, small businesses are at the heart of this new strategy.
By equipping small businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge to safeguard against cyber threats, the government is not only protecting these enterprises but also fortifying the economic stability and security of the nation.
Julie Collins and I have a big announcement this morning.This morning we announced the Albanese Government is investing $41.6 million to help small businesses prepare for, respond to and bounce back from cyber attacks. pic.twitter.com/nkfqcTpdkp
— Clare O'Neil MP (@ClareONeilMP) November 19, 2023
Cyber secure and resilient nation
Cyber Security Minister O'Neil said: "Uplifting the cyber security of our small businesses is integral to a cyber secure and resilient nation and this dedicated support will make a huge difference in their preparedness and resilience.”
Part of this strategy is the cyber health-check program initiative, which will enable businesses to conduct a free, tailored self-assessment of their cyber security maturity.
The program aims to help businesses assess their current cybersecurity measures and provide access to necessary educational tools and materials for upskilling.
Meanwhile, the cyber resilience service is designed to provide one-on-one assistance to small businesses, guiding them through cyber challenges and recovery processes from cyber-attacks.
Another ambitious part of this strategy is the cyber wardens program, which aims to support more than 15,000 small businesses.
The program focuses on developing a 'cyber-smart' workforce, enhancing the overall resilience of the business community to cyber threats.
We're also creating the Small Business Cyber Resilience Service which will provide one-on-one assistance to help small businesses build their cyber defences, including helping them recover from a cyber attack.— Clare O'Neil MP (@ClareONeilMP) November 19, 2023
Response to recent major breaches
The new cybersecurity strategy is a response to recent major breaches that have raised concerns about data security and privacy for the Australian population.
Following public consultation and expert advisory board inputs, the strategy encompasses education, investment in cyber skills and collaboration at both national and international levels.
The National Office for Cyber Security, formerly led by Air Marshal Darren Goldie and currently under the interim leadership of Hamish Hansford, spearheads this strategy.
Furthermore, the announcement also aligns with recent initiatives by the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC) and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), focusing on a business continuity plan for maintaining essential services after cyber incidents.