Latest News

Hot Issues
spacer
Record low invoice values ‘reveal inflation sting’
spacer
A 2023 Advent Calendar for our clients
spacer
Average refund plummets by $580, total payout down $5.4bn
spacer
FBT – Christmas Parties and Taxi Fare/Rideshare
spacer
Annual wage growth surges to 14-year high of 4%
spacer
Is My Organisation Exempt From the Spam Act?
spacer
Employee Christmas Parties and Gifts – Any FBT?
spacer
Most Expensive Wars In History
spacer
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) motor vehicle data matching program extended
spacer
Directors on the hook for cyber security, ASIC warns
spacer
I am making a profit but where does all the cash go?
spacer
Using the cents per kilometre method for claiming car expenses
spacer
Scams by numbers - 2022–23 scam data is now available
spacer
Completing the Sale of a Business
spacer
Business owners are seeking exits without a plan, survey finds
spacer
Most powerful countries throughout time.
spacer
Super tax concession changes: consultation
spacer
ATO interest charges soar to highest level since GFC
spacer
TOP 5 CHALLENGES FOR FAMILY BUSINESSES
spacer
ATO linking system takes giant stride into business
spacer
Cyber threats facing small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs)
spacer
Most powerful LEADERS of All Time
spacer
How Do I Respond to an Allegation of Trade Mark Infringement?
spacer
$20k instant asset write-off to get 1-year extension
spacer
Contractor payments (TPAR) are increasingly on the ATO’s radar
spacer
Superannuation and independent contractors: fresh Full Federal Court guidance
spacer
Intergenerational Report 2023
spacer
Property investors beware: new data matching program
spacer
When will we learn to protect ourselves from ourselves?
Article archive
spacer
Quarter 3 July - September 2023
spacer
Quarter 2 April - June 2023
spacer
Quarter 1 January - March 2023
spacer
Quarter 4 October - December 2022
spacer
Quarter 3 July - September 2022
spacer
Quarter 2 April - June 2022
spacer
Quarter 1 January - March 2022
spacer
Quarter 4 October - December 2021
spacer
Quarter 3 July - September 2021
spacer
Quarter 2 April - June 2021
spacer
Quarter 1 January - March 2021
spacer
Quarter 4 October - December 2020
spacer
Quarter 3 July - September 2020
spacer
Quarter 2 April - June 2020
spacer
Quarter 1 January - March 2020
spacer
Quarter 4 October - December 2019
spacer
Quarter 3 July - September 2019
spacer
Quarter 2 April - June 2019
spacer
Quarter 1 January - March 2019
spacer
Quarter 4 October - December 2018
spacer
Quarter 3 July - September 2018
spacer
Quarter 2 April - June 2018
spacer
Quarter 1 January - March 2018
spacer
Quarter 4 October - December 2017
spacer
Quarter 3 July - September 2017
spacer
Quarter 2 April - June 2017
spacer
Quarter 1 January - March 2017
spacer
Quarter 4 October - December 2016
spacer
Quarter 3 July - September 2016
spacer
Quarter 2 April - June 2016
spacer
Quarter 1 January - March 2016
spacer
Quarter 4 October - December 2015
spacer
Quarter 3 July - September 2015
spacer
Quarter 2 April - June 2015
spacer
Quarter 1 January - March 2015
spacer
Quarter 4 October - December 2014
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.

Liability limited by a Scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
© O'Brien and Partners 2022 - All Rights Reserved | 91 Station Street, Malvern VIC 3144 | Tel: 03 9509 3911 | Fax: 03 9509 3922. Site by Acctweb