In the aftermath of last Friday’s worldwide tech outage, small businesses are being urged to take immediate steps to review and strengthen their digital security measures. The incident, which involved a major disruption at CrowdStrike, has highlighted the increased risk of cyber scams targeting businesses and consumers alike.

Cyber scams on the rise

Luke Achterstraat, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), has issued a warning to small businesses about an anticipated rise in phishing and scam attempts in the wake of the outage.

“We expect many small businesses will be targeted over the coming days by phishing scams, with fake emails or phone calls offering help to ‘re-boot your system,’” Achterstraat said.

These scams often involve malicious links that, when clicked, can lead to the theft of passwords and the installation of software that grants scammers ongoing access to your computer systems.

Cyber security authorities weigh in

The Australian Signal’s Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has also weighed in, urging all consumers to seek technical information and updates from official CrowdStrike sources only.

Matt Fedele-Sirotich, Chief Technology Officer of CSO Group and a Cyber Wardens advisor, emphasised the importance of heightened awareness following such events.

“It is crucial that businesses operate with heightened awareness after major outages or global events as attackers capitalise on our eagerness to resolve the issue or be better informed. We all need to slow down and think before we act as this will enable us to collectively better protect our customers,” Fedele-Sirotich advised.

Time for proactive measures

Fedele-Sirotich further stressed that while the recent incident was not a deliberate cyber attack, it underscores the necessity for businesses to take proactive measures to mitigate the risk of cyber threats.

“Unfortunately, it is often user error and a lack of basic digital knowledge that opens the door to cyber threats, highlighting the need for ongoing education and awareness programs to strengthen cyber security resilience,” he said.

 3 steps for better protection

To help small businesses navigate this challenging period, the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch offers practical advice to enhance security. Here are some key steps:

STOP – Don’t rush into any action. Be wary of unsolicited calls or messages asking you to download software or apps. Never provide banking information, passwords, or two-factor authentication codes over the phone.

THINK – Consider whether you really know who you’re communicating with. Take the time to verify the contact independently. Call the business using contact details found on their official website, or check you’re talking to a legitimate employee using their secure app.

PROTECT – If something feels wrong, act quickly. If you’ve shared financial information or transferred money, contact your bank immediately to mitigate potential damage.

Long-term strategies for cyber security

Beyond these immediate steps, small businesses should consider long-term strategies to bolster their cyber security. Regularly updating software, implementing strong passwords, and conducting routine security audits can help safeguard against future threats. Additionally, investing in cyber security training for employees can significantly reduce the risk of user errors that often lead to security breaches.

Staying informed about the latest threats and best practices in cyber security is also crucial. Businesses can subscribe to updates from reputable sources such as the ACSC and participate in webinars and workshops to stay ahead of emerging threats.

While the recent tech outage posed significant challenges, it also serves as a timely reminder for small businesses to prioritise their digital security. By taking proactive steps and fostering a culture of awareness and vigilance, businesses can better protect themselves, their clients, and their communities from cyber threats.

For more information and resources, visit the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch website.

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