The latest cyberthreat report from Australia's national cyber agency shows online dangers targeting local small firms continue escalating.

Over 67,500 cybercrime reports got submitted in 2020-2021, a 13% year-over-year increase. This translates to a cyber attack every 8 minutes across the country. Reported losses exceeded $33 billion, with average losses per incident rising 14% across small, medium and large businesses.

Ransomware remains the most destructive threat facing small companies. Incidents climbed 15% with attackers using tactics like stealing data and threatening its release unless ransoms get paid.

Top sectors impacted include healthcare and education. The scale and disruption of attacks undermine critical services Australians rely on daily.

With online threats mulitplying, the report emphasizes that cybersecurity now stands as non-negotiable for all Australian small businesses regardless of size or sector.

Fundamentals like automatic software updates, multi-factor authentication, secure remote access, and employee cybersecurity awareness training significantly reduce risk.

Australian small businesses cannot combat mounting cyberthreats alone. Teaming with a proactive managed IT services provider arms small business with an invaluable ally.

Strategic MSP guidance allows leadership to make smart, threat-aware IT decisions as opportunities arise. For small companies, having a trusted security advisor in their court can prove the difference in not just surviving but also thriving online.

Alongside leveraging ACSC government initiatives, partnering with managed service providers enables Australian small businesses to forge ahead securely no matter the chaos unfolding across the digital terrain.

Interested in discussing a security audit for your small business? Get in touch today!