In this guest post, Travis Hoult from ACIT Global shares a timely reminder on what businesses small and large need to be aware of when protecting themselves from attack by cybercriminals.
Running a business in regional Western Australia comes with unique set of challenges. Doing what we do means we’re all too familiar with the challenges of distances and limited resources. That’s why we’re probably a bit more resourceful, and resilient than other States, and take pride in taking care of ourselves, and our own.
In some ways, being remote has protected us to a certain extent. But in our connected world, that distance is meaningless to a cybercriminal – we’ve seen the rise of the remote control criminal.
It's a risk we often overlook, but these days no one, no matter how remote, is immune to a cyber threat. And small businesses are increasingly targeted because attackers see them as easier entry points.
The local reality
Many small businesses in Bunbury, Busselton, Collie, Harvey and throughout the Southwest depend on digital tools every day. We’ve come to take the tech for granted, but step back and you’ll see how your cloud platforms, EFTPOS, accounting software, and online customer records are critical and connected. We often don't understand how dependent we are on these things until something goes wrong. It also makes them a target for criminals. This reliance makes cyber-attacks more damaging.
It's hard to estimate the impact of a breach event like stolen customer data, locked files from ransomware, or a compromised email account. No two businesses are the same, but what is common is how business underestimates the effect. What might seem like a small inconvenience will have implications that ripple out. From completely disrupting how you operate, to ongoing glitches, and the damage to reputation. It’s no fun telling customers all their information is in someone else’s hands.
For regional businesses, recovery can be harder. Local IT support may not always be available immediately, and downtime quickly starts to cost.
Let’s look at some simple solutions to mitigate that risk.
Protect the endpoint
In IT we use the term endpoint – simply put, it’s the thing in your hand - computers, mobiles, tablets, and even point-of-sale systems - is an endpoint. Each endpoint is a potential door into your business network that needs proper protection.
Modern endpoint protection is more than just antivirus software that you set scanning and forget. It includes:
· Real-time monitoring for suspicious activity.
· Blocking ransomware and phishing attempts.
· Secure control of user access.
· Automatic updates to fix vulnerabilities.
Protecting endpoints protects your system, reducing the risks you face.
Common threats small businesses face
What does a threat look like? Some of the most effective cyber criminals use the same tried and true tools criminals have been using forever; deception and looking for weak entry points.
· Phishing emails pretending to be from suppliers or government agencies.
· Ransomware that locks files and demands payment.
· Compromised accounts through weak or reused passwords.
· Lost or stolen devices with unprotected business data.
Distance isn’t the security it might usually be. Businesses in a state generating the wealth we do are increasingly targeted because criminals know many lack dedicated IT teams.
How to get started in protecting your business
Taking cyber security seriously doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Small, practical actions can make a big difference:
· Use strong, unique passwords per login with multifactor authentication.
· Keep software and devices updated regularly.
· Back up important files and test recovery.
· Train staff to spot suspicious emails and links.
· Work with a trusted IT partner who understands both cyber security and the realities of running a regional business.
Building trust through security
Trust matters in communities like ours; Showing customers you care about protecting their data and take cyber security seriously shows you can be trusted. Whether you’re a local café, transport company, or professional service provider, you’re not just investing in IT, you’re investing in trust.
A Shared Responsibility
Cyber security is no longer just a technical issue, it’s a business survival issue. In WA we’ve always had each other’s back, and the role small businesses play in regional Western Australia cannot be understated. Protecting digital systems protects jobs, customers, and local economies. Endpoint protection is the foundation. From there, ongoing training, secure practices, and the right support make all the difference.
Cyber criminals don’t care about postcodes. They care about opportunity. Businesses, small, medium or enterprise in regional Western Australia need to take cyber security seriously, not because it’s trendy, but because it’s necessary for survival.
By protecting your endpoints, building some basic cyber-security processes into your business and investing in simple but effective security measures, you safeguard your business, and the community that relies on it.
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