Qld invests $15 million to launch new free cyber solution for small businesses
Queensland-based small businesses are set to benefit from a new investment that will unlock new, free cybersecurity solutions.
The Miles Labor Government has invested $15 million to give Queensland’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) free access to new preventative measures.
Cyberattacks and other threats cost small businesses in Queensland an average of $46,000, while medium-sized businesses face costs of $97,200 on average.
The new initiative, which will be led by Queensland-based cybersecurity company Cryptoloc, will provide SMEs with measures such as multi-factor authentication, data encryption, operational controls and network security to prevent them from being breached. suffer at the hands of malicious cyber actors.
“Queensland’s small businesses should be focused on serving their customers, not defending themselves against cybercriminals and multi-billion dollar threats.
“Government Miles is doing what matters by helping our businesses stay up to date and manage the complexities of cybersecurity, so they can focus on what matters,” said Minister of Jobs and Small Business Business and Minister of Training and Skills Development, Lance McCallum.
“This means businesses can move more operations online – with greater protection and the confidence that they can thrive in a secure environment – and, most importantly, this solution from Cryptoloc will be free to the industry.
Additionally, businesses will benefit from cybersecurity compliance training and other workshops to increase cybersecurity awareness and knowledge.
“We are also investing in skills and training, to ensure more Queensland businesses have staff on the front line of cybersecurity; Nearly 2,000 Queenslanders have signed up for our free TAFE IV Certificate in Cyber Security.
“Labor has also invested $6.5 million in state-of-the-art cybersecurity training infrastructure across the state, including specialist centers in Cairns and Brisbane, as well as the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. »
The investment is part of the $250 million Queensland Small Business Strategy, which aims to protect businesses from cyber threats such as phishing, data breaches, hacks and more, without costing businesses companies themselves.
As Jamie Wilson, founder and executive chairman of Cryptoloc, pointed out, SMBs are more exposed to cyber threats because they lack the budgets and knowledge to properly protect themselves against increasingly sophisticated actors.
“Through this initiative, we are empowering Queensland business owners and industry to protect their data and develop the skills and confidence to maintain this security for the long term. »
