If you think small business isn’t a popular target for cyberattack, you should think again. And think fast.
It’s easy to imagine hackers working their way into the operating systems of big financial institutions and siphoning off astronomical sums.
In reality, a great deal of cybercrime is aimed at securing unnoticed small amounts from multiple small businesses and sole traders. Anyone using mobile point-of-sale (POS) terminals or doing online cash transfers is at risk.
It’s not only cash that is stolen. Customer data is another big and vulnerable target. Generating an invoice or receiving payment via phone on a jobsite or in a work vehicle may be efficient, but it’s a process that carries considerable security risks.
Action
There’s no possible way to guarantee absolute protection from a cyberattack, and the result, as with any robbery, can be devastating for the victim. The attack can mean an outright raid on bank accounts, or a slow, difficult-to-spot picking away that can add up to big amounts over time.
There are a few good habits to adopt that will make things more difficult for hackers. Things like:
• Avoid checking bank accounts on public wi-fi. Save making payments and checking accounts for when you’re on your own secure network. If you must do business on the go, use only trusted, secure networks.
• Avoid repeated use of the same password. Use a password manager to generate complex passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Never click links in emails without doublechecking the email address it’s from, even if it appears to be a trusted supplier, vendor or partner. If in doubt, go directly to the entity’s website or call your business contact to confirm it’s for real.
• Pay close attention to invoices. False billing scams are popular. Criminals send fake invoices hoping they’ll be paid without the receiver checking bank-account details. Before paying an invoice, even one from a trusted identity, verify the account details match those on file. If there’s a discrepancy, don’t reply to the email or SMS. You could end up contacting the scammer. Call the business to verify the change.
• Cybercriminals exploit known issues, so immediately accept security updates on computers, laptops, tablets, phones, and POS systems.
What if?
Even the most careful operator using the most secure systems and networks can’t be guaranteed protection from a cyberattack. It’s a reality of the modern world.
What prudent businesses and people can do is protect themselves from the crippling effect of successful cybercrime. Cyber Liability insurance may cover losses from claims arising from data breaches, business interruption and remediation costs following an actual or threatened cyberattack or other cyber incident (subject to the terms of the Policy). It’s a financial ‘back-up plan’ if a cyberattack happens despite your best efforts. It can help cover costs associated with an attack, with some policies also including access to 24/7 incident-response services to help contain and minimise damage.
BizCover understands landscapers and the way they work. For on-the-go cover, go bizcover.com.au or call 1300 805 821 today.
This information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the policy wording or Product Disclosure Statement (available on our website). Please consider whether the advice is suitable for you before proceeding with any purchase. Target Market Determination document is also available (as applicable). © 2025 BizCover Pty Limited, all rights reserved. ABN 68 127 707 975; AFSL 501769