Small Business Ombudsman Kate Carnell has warned Australian small business owners they're now likely to become a victim of a cyber-attack and that 60 percent of businesses that do suffer an attack end up going broke within one year.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) has produced a cyber security guide to help small businesses avoid the increasing risk of a devastating attack.
“You can access it on our website and, in just one page, it will tell you what you have to do,” says Carnell. “It won’t cost you money, just a little bit of time to get it right.”
The stark warning is part of a video released by the ASBFEO to help prepare businesses for the year ahead.
“As small business owners, this is a time to look at things you’ve put off since last year; the first one on the list is cash flow,” says Carnell. “Sit down with your accountant and look at your cash flow, your business plan, for the next 12 months.
“Go and get an energy audit if you haven’t done so already. You can save a lot of money in electricity if you get someone to come in and have a look at how you use electricity."
The full video can be seen below.