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Queensland-based small businesses are set to benefit from a new investment that will unlock free new cyber security solutions.
The Miles Labor government has invested $15 million to grant small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) within Queensland free access to new preventative measures.
Cyber attacks and other threats are costing small businesses in Queensland $46,000 on average, while medium businesses face costs of $97,200 on average.
The new initiative, which will be run by Queensland-based cyber security firm Cryptoloc, will provide SMEs with measures like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, operational controls and network security to prevent them suffering at the hands of malicious cyber actors.
“Queensland’s small businesses should be focused on serving their customers – not defending themselves from cyber criminals and multibillion-dollar threats.
“The Miles government is doing what matters by helping our businesses keep up to date and navigate the complexities of cyber security, so they can focus on what matters,” minister for employment and small business and minister for training and skills development Lance McCallum said.
“It means businesses can shift more operations online – with greater protection and confidence that they can thrive in a secure environment – and importantly, this solution from Cryptoloc will be free for the sector.
In addition, businesses will be provided cyber security compliance training and other workshops to boost cyber awareness and knowledge.
“We’re also investing in skills and training, to ensure more Queensland businesses have staff on the cyber security frontline; almost 2,000 Queenslanders have enrolled in our free TAFE Certificate IV in Cyber Security.
“Labor has also invested $6.5 million in state-of-the-art cyber security training infrastructure across the state, including specialised centres in Cairns and Brisbane, and on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.”
The investment comes as part of the $250 million Queensland Small Business strategy, which aims to protect businesses from cyber threats like phishing, data breaches, hacks and more without costing the businesses themselves.
As pointed out by Cryptoloc founder and executive chairman Jamie Wilson, SMEs are at a greater risk of cyber threats, as they lack the budgets and knowledge to properly protect themselves against increasing sophisticated threat actors.
“Through this initiative, we’re empowering business owners and industry across Queensland to protect their data and develop the skills and confidence to maintain that security long into the future.”
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