Newcastle-based IT support services specialist, Strategic Group, has joined a nation-wide partnership to address cyber security threats across the industry, government and community.

The Australian Government set up the Stay Smart Online program in 2006 to provide simple, easy-to-understand advice. A key priority of the program is to create a cyber smart nation and for Australians to have cyber security skills and knowledge to thrive in the digital age.

Strategic Group’s Director of Business Development, Aron Robertson, said joining the Australian Government’s Stay Smart Online initiative demonstrates their organisation’s strong commitment to providing the most up-to-date and trustworthy information and resources available.

“We know that around 59 per cent of Australian organisations have their business interrupted by a cyber breach every month, with small business representing 43 per of cybercrime victims,” Aron explained.

“It is crucial for organisations – no matter what size – to not only be aware but be prepared by having good cyber security measures in place should they be needed.”

Strategic Group are currently are one of the first industry providers in the Hunter region IT industry currently appointed as a partner.

It’s estimated one in five Australians have experienced identity theft.

This year’s Stay Smart Online national awareness week, Reverse the Threat, campaign has been running from 7-13 October.

It aims to empower people, businesses and the community to protect themselves online by taking greater control of their identity through;

• reviewing privacy settings,
• knowing how to spot phishing scams,
• creating strong and unique passwords and,
• turning on two-factor authentication.

Aron said that the common items needed for creating an identity are so easy to source. So, making sure online information is secure is crucial.

“All these pieces of information can be accessed by cyber criminals if we don’t take the necessary steps to keep our information private and secure online,” Aron said.

As a Stay Smart Online partner, the Strategic Group are helping people become more aware of these risks and support other businesses with their security in the process.

“We intend to be a strong voice in the cyber safety conversation in order to educate, prepare and protect businesses,” he continued.

IMAGE | Aron Robertson, Strategic Group’s Director of Business Development