Protect your business from cyber threats

Taking your business online can have its benefits, but it can also increase the risk of scams and security threats. Learn how to identify how cyber secure your business is and how to strengthen your business against cyber threats.

1. Learn the basic security measures

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has steps you can take to protect your business and staff from cyber threats. This includes information on:

turning on multi-factor authentication
securing your accounts
updating software
backing up information
protecting your business data
educating employees.

2. Develop a cyber security policy

A cyber security policy helps your staff to understand their responsibilities and what is acceptable when they use or share:

data
computers and devices
emails
internet sites.

3. Protect your customers

It’s vital that you keep your customers information safe. If you lose or compromise their information it will damage your business reputation, and you could face legal consequences.

Make sure your business:

invests in and provides a secure online environment for transactions
secures any personal customer information that it stores.

If you take payments online, find out what your payment gateway provider can do to prevent online payment fraud.

There are laws about what you can do with any personal information you collect from your customers. Be aware of the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and have a clear, up-to-date privacy policy. If your business is online, it’s a good idea to display your privacy policy on your website.

4. Consider cyber security insurance

Consider cyber insurance to protect your business. The cost of dealing with a cyber-attack can be much more than just repairing databases, strengthening security or replacing laptops. Cyber liability insurance cover can help your business with the costs of recovering from an attack. Like all insurance policies, it is very important your business understands what it is covered for.

5. Stay up-to-date on the latest risks

Keep up with the latest scams and security risks to your business. Sign up for the ACSC Partnership Program for access to up-to-date information on cyber security issues and how to deal with them.

6. Get cyber security advice

Australian Cyber Security Hotline

If you want to talk to someone about cyber security, the ACSC has a 24/7 Cyber Security Hotline.

The hotline provides over the phone support to both prepare for and respond to cyber incidents. Learn more on the ACSC website or call 1300 CYBER1.

Mark Lisle

Mark is our managing partner and has been with the firm for over 36 years. He brings a wealth of experience in all areas of our business, including business advisory, taxation and self managed superannuation.

Mark’s ethos is that good advice stems from working closely with our clients and being prepared to go that extra step to assist them in meeting their goals and optimising their financial position.

Mark is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, an accredited SMSF Specialist and a registered SMSF auditor.

Outside of work, Mark enjoys trying to keep fit and spending time down at his “second home” in Port Fairy.

Josh Laing

Joshua began working at Rundles in 1999 whilst still completing his Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) degree at RMIT. After graduating in 2001 he was admitted to the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand in 2004. Joshua spent two years working in London before returning to Rundles in 2006.

Josh has a wealth of knowledge across a broad range of industries as well as in Self Managed Superannuation. Josh enjoys working with family groups and businesses to ensure they’re structured correctly to maximise asset protection, succession planning and management of tax.

Married with 2 children, Josh spends his weekends with his family and following the Tigers.

Brad Roach

Brad has been a part of the Rundles Team since 1996 and became a Partner of the firm in 2014. During his time at Rundles, Brad has developed a strong relationship with his clients across a wide range of industries and is dedicated to assisting them to reach their personal and business goals.

Brad is passionate about seeing his clients succeed and utilises his extensive experience in public practice to provide a holistic service to his clients. He also has a wealth of experience in superannuation, particularly self managed superannuation funds.

In his spare time, Brad likes to play a round of golf with friends and enjoys watching his two sons play various sports.

Peter Davison

Peter graduated from RMIT with a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) with distinction in 1976. He joined Rundles upon graduating. Peter has been a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants since 1979 and a Fellow since 1991. As an active yachtie of many years, Peter can often be found on the water. Otherwise, he and his wife spend time with their friends and extended family.

Sandy Gilbert

Sandy was admitted to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1973 and has been a Fellow since 1983. He gained extensive experience in auditing and accounting services over seven years at Pannell Kerr Forster before joining Rundles in 1973. Sandy is married with three children. A former amateur footballer of some note, Sandy is still an avid follower of the game and enjoys weekends at his country retreat.