Basic Cybersecurity practices for SMEs and Startups

Cybersecurity for SMBs

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is essential for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises. While large corporations often make headlines for data breaches, small businesses are actually more frequent targets, often due to limited budgets, weaker defences and limited awareness. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre Small Business Survey 2023, 62% of respondents reported experiencing a cyber security incident. The report also revealed that many SMEs tend to be reactive rather than proactive in their approach, with critical gaps in cyber security practices that leave them vulnerable. A single cyber-attack can result in serious financial loss, damage to reputation, and erosion of customer trust. Whether you're running a café, an online store, or a local service, taking cyber security seriously is vital to staying safe and sustainable in the digital age.

To prepare for and defend against potential cyberattacks, every startup and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) should adopt these 6 fundamental cybersecurity practices:

1. Carry out software vulnerability patches within 30 days of discovery

Once a bug / vulnerability is discovered, a patch can help fix it. Doing so ensures that our digital assets stay safe and aren’t susceptible to exploitation.

Patch Management doesn’t mean having a fix to every vulnerability individually, but we recommend checking for software updates regularly and then installing patches as they are released (often this is performed automatically anyway). If a software update isn’t available, you may have to implement a compensating control by applying a temporary solution until a patch is available or improve your overall IT defence posture.

More about patch management can be read here.

2. Conduct regular backups

In the event of a cyberattack, system failure, or even simple human error, a data backup could be your saving grace. A backup is essentially a copy of your data, stored securely so it can be restored when needed.

Why Backups Matter:

•        They safeguard against financial and data loss especially in cases of ransomware attacks.

•        They help meet compliance requirements, particularly in healthcare, finance, and government sectors.

•        They ensure business continuity by restoring lost data and minimizing downtime.

There are three main types of backups: local backups, which are stored on physical devices such as USB drives or external hard drives; cloud backups, which are stored virtually in the cloud, offering remote access and scalability; and hybrid backups, which combine the flexibility of cloud storage with the control and security of local storage, providing a balanced approach to data protection.

For more detailed information on backups, visit.

3. Implement a password manager

Utilizing a password manager helps you create, store, and manage strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. With one master password, you can securely access all your saved credentials by just remembering your master password.

Key Features:

•        Auto-generates strong, unique passwords for each account.

•        Stores passwords and login credentials across all your devices in one secure location.

•        Auto-fills login credentials to save time and reduce effort.

•        Minimizes the risk of password interception or reuse-related breaches.

A Note of Caution: While password managers are a powerful tool for security, they can also be a target for cybercriminals. It’s important to research and choose a reputable provider. One recommended and trusted option is 1Password.

4. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) on all remote access to networks

If cybercriminals get their hands on your credentials, they could potentially infiltrate your bank accounts, medical records, company systems, and more. That’s why multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-step verification (2SV) is a crucial layer of security. MFA requires users to verify their identity using two or more separate factors, making it significantly harder for attackers to compromise your data.

An MFA typically combines:

•        Something you know – Your username and password

•        Something you have – A device such as a mobile phone, USB key, or security token

•        Something you are – Biometric data like fingerprints or iris scans

•        Somewhere you are (optional factor) – A location-based element, such as matching the user’s IP address or GPS data to an expected location

By requiring multiple forms of verification, MFA adds a robust layer of protection against unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised.

You can read more about MFA here.

5. Implement a business grade antivirus

Viruses and cyber threats can impact businesses of all sizes, but small businesses are especially vulnerable without the right protections in place. Equipping your organisation with a business-grade antivirus ensures a higher level of protection and visibility across your entire network — far beyond what typical consumer-grade antivirus software offers. While consumer solutions are designed for individual users and basic threats, business-grade antivirus provides advanced features like centralized management, real-time threat monitoring, and protection across multiple devices and users.

Antivirus scans for unusual patterns within files and media across all your devices, identifying and blocking malicious actors, and determines if a cyberattack is underway.

Some benefits of implementing an antivirus include protection against common threats such as ransomware, phishing and malware and addressing cyberthreats before they cause disruption.

Global Tech Partners has partnered with Cynet to offer an enterprise-grade antivirus solution as part of an All-In-One cybersecurity platform, designed and priced for small and medium sized businesses on a budget. Reach out for more information: contact@globaltechpartners.com.au.

6. Regular Cybersecurity awareness training

Cybersecurity awareness training is the process of educating your employees to identify, understand, avoid and possibly eliminate cyber threats. Its primary goal is to reduce human error and mitigate risk, safeguarding both the organization and its staff.

Why It’s Important:

•        It prevents your organisation from data breaches and phishing attacks.

•        It builds customer trust as they are more likely to trust a company that is secure

•        It meets compliance standards

Effective cybersecurity training methods include phishing simulations, which help employees practice identifying and responding to phishing attempts; online training, featuring interactive courses with videos and quizzes to engage learners; and visual aids such as posters, infographics, and reminders that reinforce best practices and keep security top of mind in the workplace.

Cybersecurity awareness training can be facilitated by in-house professionals or external consultants, in either case, we recommend cywareness as a fantastic cybersecurity training platform.

Conclusion

Implementing these fundamental cybersecurity practices is vital for any SME or startup looking to protect its digital assets, maintain business continuity, and build trust with customers. Their implementation will also enable companies to obtain cybersecurity insurance or partner with larger companies or Government agencies.

From patch management and data backups to multi-factor authentication and staff training, every step you take strengthens your organization’s resilience against cyber threats.

At Global Tech Partners, we understand the unique cybersecurity needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Our team of experts can help you assess, implement, and maintain these best practices — ensuring your business is secure, compliant, and prepared for the digital challenges ahead. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help protect your business and give you peace of mind.

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As part of the University of Melbourne's Innovation Week 2025, Global Tech Partners is proud to host: "Patch Now, Pitch Later: Cyber Smarts for Startups" — a dynamic panel discussion featuring cybersecurity leaders and startup founders.

The discussion will dive into: 

🔒 Why startups are prime targets for cyber threats 

🚨 How to reduce risk during product launches or capital raises 

🧠 How to build cybersecurity into your business model from day one

📍 Location: Melbourne Connect Co-working 

📅 Date: 4 September 2025

 🕠 Time: 5:30 PM 

📌 Address: Level 2, 700 Swanston Street, Carlton

 🎉 The panel discussion will be followed by networking drinks, co-hosted with Cremorne Digital Hub.

This is a free event by seating is limited — register here to secure your spot: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gQsYKCB3