The Queensland government has announced a range of free cyber security tools for small and medium-sized businesses.
Part of the Queensland Small Business Strategy 2024-2027, the $15m investment gives eligible SMEs access to a range of tools. These include free network security, multi-factor authentication, data encryption, operational controls, compliance training and awareness workshops.
The program is open to businesses headquartered in Queensland that have between one and 199 employees.
“Queensland’s small businesses should be focused on serving their customers – not defending themselves from cyber criminals and multibillion-dollar threats,” said Lance McCallum, who is Queensland’s Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development.
McCallum said that almost 2,000 Queenslanders have enrolled in the government’s Free TAFE Certificate IV in Cyber Security so far.
The state government has contracted Queensland-based cyber security firm Cryptoloc to roll out the solutions. Cryptoloc’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Jamie Wilson, said it is “honoured” to be involved.
“Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats, often lacking the knowledge, tools and awareness to safeguard their operations effectively,” said Wilson.
“Through this initiative, we’re empowering business owners and industry across Queensland to protect their data and develop the skills and confidence to maintain that security long into the future.”
The initiative is just one of the latest boosts afforded to businesses in the sunshine state. The Queensland Government also recently rolled out $2.2m in funding to help SMEs participate in its “Big Build” initiative. But this particular program – coinciding with Cybersecurity Awareness Month – feels particularly timely, as cyberattacks and scams increasingly target small businesses.
