The Times Australia
The Times Australia

.

Albanese government launches Small Business Cyber Resilience Service



The Albanese Labor Government is delivering more support to help small businesses prevent and recover from cyber incidents with today’s launch of the new Small Business Cyber Resilience Service. 

IDCARE, the provider of the Service, will deliver free, tailored one-on-one assistance to help small businesses navigate cyber challenges, bolster their cyber resilience and recover from a cyber incident. 

Small businesses across Australia, in both regional and metropolitan areas can access the Service by calling 1800 595 170, or by submitting a request through the online form at www.idcare.org/smallbusiness.  

Case management support can also be accessed, including mental health support, to help small businesses bounce back after a cyber incident.   

Nearly 94,000 cyber crimes were reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre in the 2022-23 financial year. 

The average cost of those crimes to a small business is $46,000 with small businesses having limited ability to absorb these losses and the reputational damage they bring. 

The Small Business Cyber Resilience Service is a key initiative under the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy and is part of the Government’s investment of over $60 million to help small businesses uplift their cyber and digital capabilities. 

This includes $23.4 million for the Cyber Wardens program which provides small businesses with free online training to help identify cyber safety practices they can implement to prevent and protect against digital threats. 

The Government is also investing $7.2 million to establish a voluntary cyber health check program which will allow businesses to undertake a free, tailored self assessment of their cyber security maturity. 

And the $18.6 million for the Digital Solutions program, which helps small businesses adopt digital tools and grasp the opportunities that going online offers. 

Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins MP: said,

“I know how critical it is for Australia’s small businesses to have the help they need to prevent and recover from cyber incidents.  

“Cyber crimes can have devastating impacts for small businesses, with the average cost of a cyber incident around $46,000. 

“That’s why it’s a pleasure to launch the Albanese Labor Government’s new Small Business Cyber Resilience Service.

“Australia’s small businesses are now able to contact the service by calling 1800 595 170, or by submitting a request through the online form at www.idcare.org/smallbusiness when they are looking to protect themselves from a cyber incident or recovering from one.

“This is just one way our Government is helping Australia’s 2.5 million small businesses. 

“The Government’s Small Business Statement outlines more than $640 million in targeted supports for small businesses to ease pressure, support small businesses to grow, and level the playing field.” 

IDCARE Managing Director, Dr David Lacey: said,

“We are enormously grateful for this investment from the Federal Government into cyber resilience for small businesses.

“For the past 10 years, our team has been working with small businesses across the country after they’ve experienced a scam, identity theft or cyber incident.

“These are the people who have taken a risk and put their blood, sweat and tears into their idea which forms the backbone of the Australian economy.

“Being able to further assist these small businesses with their cyber resilience is vitally important and we look forward to providing tailored assistance.”

Temu’s Local Seller Program opens fully in Australia

Local businesses of all sizes across Australia now have a new, low-cost channel to reach millions of online sh...

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Is our mental health determined by where we live – or is it the other way round? New research sheds more light

Ever felt like where you live is having an impact on your mental health? Turns out, you’re not imagining things. Our new analysis[1] of eight years of data from the New Zeal...

Going Off the Beaten Path? Here's How to Power Up Without the Grid

There’s something incredibly freeing about heading off the beaten path. No traffic, no crowded campsites, no glowing screens in every direction — just you, the landscape, and the...

West HQ is bringing in a season of culinary celebration this July

Western Sydney’s leading entertainment and lifestyle precinct is bringing the fire this July and not just in the kitchen. From $29 lobster feasts and award-winning Asian banque...

What Endo Took and What It Gave Me

From pain to purpose: how one woman turned endometriosis into a movement After years of misdiagnosis, hormone chaos, and major surgery, Jo Barry was done being dismissed. What beg...

Why Parents Must Break the Silence on Money and Start Teaching Financial Skills at Home

Australia’s financial literacy rates are in decline, and our kids are paying the price. Certified Money Coach and Financial Educator Sandra McGuire, who has over 20 years’ exp...

Australia’s Grill’d Transforms Operations with Qlik

Boosting Burgers and Business Clean, connected data powers real-time insights, smarter staffing, and standout customer experiences Sydney, Australia, 14 July 2025 – Qlik®, a g...