• Charles Sturt University is providing free cyber security health checks for up to 40 small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in the central west until the end of May

With cyber attacks on the increase in Australia, Charles Sturt University is providing free cyber security health checks for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bathurst and the Central West region.

The trial program is sponsored by the NSW Government through Investment NSW and provided by the Charles Sturt School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering, with 40 free consultation places available until the end of May.

Senior Lecturer in Computing Dr Jason Howarth said the free security consultations are provided by trained Charles Sturt IT students who will assess businesses’ overall risk and offer basic advice on how to improve their cyber security.

“The 40 free consultation places are available for SMEs throughout the Bathurst and central west region until the end of May, or until the 40 consultations are filled,” Mr Howarth said.

“The program is available to small and medium enterprises throughout the Central West ─ Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange, Mudgee to Cowra ─  since organisations of this size may be less likely to have professional oversight of their security.”

Mr Howarth said each consultation will take about one hour, can be done online or in-person, and will be followed by a brief report containing a list of security recommendations.

“It is important that SMEs engage because cyber attacks are on the increase in Australia,” Dr Howarth said.

“Many SMEs do not have the necessary ─ and often free ─ protections in place that will help them to secure their data and business processes.

“Moreover, the threat of cyber attacks has increased in recent times due to international conflict, so it is imperative that local business take steps to ensure they are protected.”

To book a consultation, SMEs are welcome to email Dr Howarth directly at jhowarth@csu.edu.au and he is available to answer any questions about the program.

The program was developed by the NSW Cyber Hub in conjunction with Edith Cowan University following receipt of Commonwealth investment to improve cyber security in NSW.

Read more information about the program.