Cyber security program set to launch through CBA partnership

The Cyber Wardens program has been developed by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), and Telstra to help safeguard Australian small businesses, providing them with tools and information to stay safe from cyber attacks.

The program is set to be rolled out later this year and is available to all of Australia’s 2.3 million small businesses.

COSBOA recently conducted a survey of over 2,000 small-business owners and employees that examined generational approaches to cyber security.

According to COSBOA, the results “signal a warning” for small-business owners who rely on younger generations to manage technology and business social media-related tasks after the survey found that Gen Z employees were the least cyber safe.

Two-thirds (67 per cent) of small-business owners believed the digital native generation’s tech-savviness translated over to cyber safety skills, however, as the research suggests, Gen Z lacks the awareness and key competencies of cyber security when compared to older cohorts.

The survey found that Gen X and Millennials in their 30s were most likely to take cyber threats and security seriously.

However, 55 per cent of Gen Z employees expressed interest in learning more about cyber safety and are willing to participate in the Cyber Wardens program.

COSBOA chairman, Matthew Addison, said: “A good first step is taking stock of who is responsible for your business’ cyber protection.

“Don’t just assume your kids or younger employees are the safest pair of hands when it comes to online activity.”

Keith Howard, CBA chief information security officer, said the program will focus on “practical behavioural change rather than technical jargon” and aims to arm small businesses with simple steps to protect themselves online.

“It’s great to be working closely with COSBOA and Telstra to help create a frontline defence against cyberthreats with Australia’s 5 million-strong small business workforce,” Mr Howard said.

COSBOA CEO resigns

Alexi Boyd recently notified the COSBOA board of her resignation less than two years after taking the role.

Mr Addison praised Ms Boyd for her service during a tumultuous period where Australian small businesses had to traverse through rising costs, staff shortages, natural disasters, and the heightened threat of cyber attacks.

“We wish to thank Alexi for her leadership, advocacy and collaboration with members and stakeholders while CEO of the nation’s peak small business body,” Mr Addison said.

[RELATED: CEO of COSBOA announces resignation]

Written by Adrian Suljanovic

Last Updated: 19 January 2023

Published: 20 January 2023