The Albanese Labor Government is delivering more support to help small businesses prevent and recover from cyber incidents with today’s launch of the new Small Business Cyber Resilience Service. 

IDCARE, the provider of the Service, will deliver free, tailored one-on-one assistance to help small businesses navigate cyber challenges, bolster their cyber resilience and recover from a cyber incident. 

Small businesses across Australia, in both regional and metropolitan areas can access the Service by calling 1800 595 170, or by submitting a request through the online form at www.idcare.org/smallbusiness.  

Case management support can also be accessed, including mental health support, to help small businesses bounce back after a cyber incident.   

Nearly 94,000 cyber crimes were reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre in the 2022-23 financial year. 

The average cost of those crimes to a small business is $46,000 with small businesses having limited ability to absorb these losses and the reputational damage they bring. 

The Small Business Cyber Resilience Service is a key initiative under the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy and is part of the Government’s investment of over $60 million to help small businesses uplift their cyber and digital capabilities. 

This includes $23.4 million for the Cyber Wardens program which provides small businesses with free online training to help identify cyber safety practices they can implement to prevent and protect against digital threats. 

The Government is also investing $7.2 million to establish a voluntary cyber health check program which will allow businesses to undertake a free, tailored self assessment of their cyber security maturity. 

And the $18.6 million for the Digital Solutions program, which helps small businesses adopt digital tools and grasp the opportunities that going online offers. 

Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins MP: said,

“I know how critical it is for Australia’s small businesses to have the help they need to prevent and recover from cyber incidents.  

“Cyber crimes can have devastating impacts for small businesses, with the average cost of a cyber incident around $46,000. 

“That’s why it’s a pleasure to launch the Albanese Labor Government’s new Small Business Cyber Resilience Service.

“Australia’s small businesses are now able to contact the service by calling 1800 595 170, or by submitting a request through the online form at www.idcare.org/smallbusiness when they are looking to protect themselves from a cyber incident or recovering from one.

“This is just one way our Government is helping Australia’s 2.5 million small businesses. 

“The Government’s Small Business Statement outlines more than $640 million in targeted supports for small businesses to ease pressure, support small businesses to grow, and level the playing field.” 

IDCARE Managing Director, Dr David Lacey: said,

“We are enormously grateful for this investment from the Federal Government into cyber resilience for small businesses.

“For the past 10 years, our team has been working with small businesses across the country after they’ve experienced a scam, identity theft or cyber incident.

“These are the people who have taken a risk and put their blood, sweat and tears into their idea which forms the backbone of the Australian economy.

“Being able to further assist these small businesses with their cyber resilience is vitally important and we look forward to providing tailored assistance.”