Small business owners may assume that their young family members or employees who are well-versed in social media have the knowledge and skills to protect their businesses from cyber-attacks.
But as Australian small business owners need help finding ways to protect themselves and their customers from cyber threats, new research reveals that young Australians are less likely to be aware of these threats compared to their older counterparts.
A recent survey conducted by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia’s Cyber Wardens program revealed that this might not be the case. The survey, which included over 2000 small business owners and employees, found that Australia’s first generation of digital natives grew up with technology and was among the least aware of common cyber security threats such as identity theft and ransomware.
“A good first step is taking stock of who is responsible for your business’ cyber protection,” COSBOA Chairman Matthew Addison said. “Don’t just assume your kids or younger employees are the safest pair of hands when it comes to online activity.”
The survey results suggest that small business owners should not rely solely on their young family members or employees to handle their company’s cyber security. Instead, they should invest in proper cyber security training and tools to protect their businesses from cyber-attacks.
It is also important to remember that Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and small business owners should be proactive to stay updated on the latest threats and ways to mitigate them.
The survey findings signal a warning for small business owners who regularly rely on younger family members or employees to manage their technology and business social media. The data shows that many Australian small business owners and employees need more confidence in their ability to prepare for, fight and recover from a cyber threat.
Four in five Australian small business owners and employees need more confidence in preparing for, fighting and recovering from a cyber threat. The survey, which examined generational approaches to cyber security, found that two-thirds (67 per cent) of Australian small business owners believe tech-savviness equates to cyber safety skills.
However, this assumption is not entirely true as the research suggests that the first generation of digital natives, Gen Z employees born after 1997, may have grown up with technology and social media but they are among the least cyber-safe, lacking the awareness and key competencies of cyber security compared to their older colleagues.
GenXers and upper Millennials likely to take cybersecurity seriously
Interestingly, the safest pair of hands in the small business community appear to be GenXers and upper Millennials in their 30s, who are the most likely to take cyber security seriously.
Despite the lower awareness of incoming cyber threats compared to their older counterparts, Gen Z rate their skills to prepare for, fight and respond to cyber threats as on par with all other generations, suggesting inflated levels of confidence.
However, there is good news for small business owners as well. The survey found that Gen Z is the generation that is most keen to learn more and help build a culture of cyber safety within their workplaces. One in two Gen Z employees (55%) is interested in participating in the Cyber Wardens program.
The Cyber Wardens program, developed in partnership with the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) and Telstra, will be rolled out this year to help safeguard Australia’s 2.3 million small businesses and lock the digital front doors of businesses across the country.
The program is designed to provide small business owners and employees with the knowledge and skills they need to prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats. This includes training on best practices for password management, email security, and incident response, as well as access to tools and resources that can help them protect their businesses from cyber-attacks.
This highlights the importance of small business owners investing in proper cyber security training and tools to protect their businesses from cyber-attacks. It is also important to remember that Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and small business owners should be proactive to stay updated on the latest threats and ways to mitigate them.
With the right knowledge and tools, small business owners can protect themselves and their customers from cyber threats and ensure that their businesses remain secure in the digital age.
CBA Chief Information Security Office, Keith Howard, said the Cyber Wardens program would give small business owners and their employee’s simple information and tools to stay safe online.
“With a focus on practical behavioural change rather than technical jargon, Cyber Wardens will arm small business employees and owners with simple steps to protect their personal and professional lives online.
“It’s great to be working closely with COSBOA and Telstra to help create a frontline defence against cyber threats with Australia’s five million-strong small business workforce, “ Mr Howard said.
Visit www.cyberwardens.com.au
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