Many Australian businesses are making the same basic security mistakes that leave them sitting ducks for cybercriminals. The good news? These mistakes are totally fixable with some simple changes and the right approach.
Let’s dive into the six most common cybersecurity slip-ups we see across Australian businesses and, more importantly, how to fix them before they cost you big time.
1. Using the Same Password Everywhere (Yes, Still!)
We all know password reuse is bad, but it’s still happening everywhere. Your team members are using “Password123!” for their email, banking, and that random app they downloaded last month. When one service gets breached (and they do, regularly), hackers suddenly have the keys to everything.
Think about it—if your accountant uses the same password for their personal Facebook and your business banking portal, a data breach at Meta could put your company finances at risk.
The Fix:
Start with a password manager like Google Password Manager (built into Chrome and Android) or a dedicated business solution. These tools generate unique, complex passwords for every account and remember them so your team doesn’t have to.
For Google Workspace users, you’re already halfway there. Google’s built-in password manager syncs across all devices and can even alert you when passwords appear in known data breaches. Set a company policy requiring unique passwords for all business accounts, and make it easy by providing the tools to do it right.
2. Skipping Software Updates (The “I’ll Do It Tomorrow” Trap)
Those little update notifications aren’t just annoying pop-ups—they’re often critical security patches. Australian businesses lose thousands every month because they’re running outdated software with known vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
The classic example? A small Melbourne accounting firm that delayed updating their server software for “just a few more weeks” to avoid disruption. Ransomware hit through an unpatched vulnerability, encrypting client tax records during peak season.
The Fix:
Turn on automatic updates wherever possible, especially for operating systems and browsers. For business-critical software that needs manual updates, schedule regular maintenance windows—monthly is a good start.
Google Workspace automatically handles security updates in the background, which is one less thing to worry about. But don’t forget about your desktop software, plugins, and mobile apps. Create a simple checklist and assign someone to review it monthly.
3. Ignoring Two-Step Verification
Here’s a sobering fact: accounts with two-step verification (also called two-factor authentication or 2FA) are 99.9% less likely to be compromised. Yet many Australian businesses still rely on passwords alone, especially for critical business accounts.
The Fix:
Enable two-step verification on every important business account, starting with email, banking, and cloud services. Google Workspace makes this easy with options like Google Authenticator, SMS codes, or security keys.
Pro tip: Don’t rely solely on SMS for 2FA if you can avoid it—SIM swapping attacks are becoming more common in Australia. Authenticator apps or hardware security keys are much more secure options.
For your team, make 2FA mandatory, not optional. Yes, it adds an extra step to logging in, but it’s a small price to pay for keeping hackers out of your business systems.
4. Weak Mobile Security (Beyond Just Screen Locks)
Your team’s mobile devices are walking around with access to business emails, files, and apps. Yet many Australian businesses treat mobile security as an afterthought. Weak PINs, no automatic locking, and personal apps mixed with business data create a perfect storm for security breaches.
The Fix:
Implement a mobile device policy that covers both company-owned and BYOD (bring your own device) situations. Require strong passcodes or biometric locks, set automatic screen timeouts, and enable remote wipe capabilities.
For businesses using Google Workspace, Google’s mobile device management tools let you enforce security policies across all devices accessing company data. You can require encryption, control app installations, and remotely wipe business data if a device goes missing.
5. Falling for Phishing and Suspicious Links
Phishing remains the number one way cybercriminals break into Australian businesses. These attacks have become incredibly sophisticated—fake invoices from “suppliers,” urgent messages from the “CEO,” or convincing emails from “banks” asking for account updates.
The rise of AI has made phishing emails even more convincing. They’re grammatically correct, personalised, and often reference real events or contacts within your business.
The Fix:
Train your team to spot red flags: urgent requests for money transfers, unexpected attachments, generic greetings, or emails asking for sensitive information. When in doubt, verify through a different communication channel—pick up the phone and call.
Gmail’s built-in phishing protection catches most obvious attempts, but human judgment is still your best defense. Regular training sessions work better than one-off workshops. Try monthly “phishing simulation” emails to keep security awareness sharp.
Most importantly, create a culture where asking “Is this email legit?” is encouraged, not embarrassed about.
6. No Recovery Plan When Things Go Wrong
Here’s the scenario that keeps business owners awake at night: ransomware encrypts all your files, your main server crashes, or a disgruntled employee deletes important data. Without a proper recovery plan, you’re looking at weeks of downtime and potentially losing your business entirely.
Many Australian SMBs think they’re covered because they have “some backups,” but when disaster strikes, they discover backups that don’t work, are incomplete, or haven’t been tested in years.
The Fix:
Develop a comprehensive business continuity plan that covers data backup, system recovery, and communication protocols. Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: three copies of important data, stored on two different types of media, with one copy offsite.
Cloud-based solutions like Google Workspace provide automatic backup and sync, but don’t assume that’s enough. Test your recovery procedures regularly—at least quarterly. Know how long it takes to restore operations and communicate that timeline to clients and staff.
Document everything: contact lists for IT support, step-by-step recovery procedures, and communication templates for different types of incidents. When you’re dealing with a cyber attack isn’t the time to figure out who to call or what to do first.
Making Security Simple for Australian SMBs
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with these six areas and you’ll be ahead of most Australian businesses. The key is making security part of your regular business routine, not something you deal with only after a problem occurs.
Remember, cybercriminals often target small businesses precisely because they expect weaker security. By fixing these common mistakes, you’re not just protecting your data—you’re making your business a less attractive target.
Need help getting started? Consider partnering with Australian IT professionals who understand local compliance requirements and can help implement these security measures without disrupting your daily operations. Learn more about our cloud security services to see how proper security can actually make your business more efficient, not more complicated.
Your business data is worth protecting. These six fixes are your first line of defense in keeping it safe. Ready to take the next step? Contact Cloud Computer Company on 1300 812 972, email info@cloudcomputercompany.com.au, or visit www.cloudcomputercompany.com.au.
