Cyber security should be a critical concern for all businesses, no matter of their size or age. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the stakes are particularly high. With nearly half of Australian SMBs having faced cyber attacks and costs averaging between $46,000 and $97,000, safeguarding your business against these threats has never been more crucial.
Why SMB1001?
To address the unique challenges faced by SMBs, the Cyber Security Certification Australia (CSCAU) developed SMB1001. This certification framework is specifically designed to provide a clear, practical, and affordable path to creating robust cyber security, tailored to the needs of smaller organisations.
The Many Benefits of a Managed Support Agreement
1. Tailored for SMBs
Traditional cyber security frameworks like ISO 27001 or the Essential Eight (E8) can be complex and resource-intensive, making them feel daunting for smaller businesses. SMB1001 simplifies the process by offering a framework that is both straightforward and scalable. It is crafted to fit the capabilities and needs of SMBs, making effective cyber security achievable without overwhelming resources.
2. Comprehensive Coverage
SMB1001 provides a structured approach to managing cyber risks with comprehensive coverage across essential areas, such as:
- Technology Management: Secure your infrastructure with updated controls, firewalls, antivirus software, and regular patch management.
- Access Management: Implement strong authentication and access controls to ensure that only authorised personnel can access sensitive information.
- Backup and Recovery: Establish reliable backup and recovery plans to minimise data loss and ensure business continuity.
- Policies, Plans, and Procedures: Develop and maintain comprehensive security policies and procedures to guide your business’s approach to cyber threats.
- Education and Training: Equip your employees with the necessary knowledge and practices to contribute effectively to your business’s cyber security efforts.
- Cyber Insurance: Meet cybersecurity insurance requirements to ensure adequate coverage. Obtaining the right security certifications will help ensure your insurance provides you the tick of approval.
3. Accessible Certification
SMB1001 features a multi-tiered certification process, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond. This tiered approach allows you to progressively enhance your cyber security posture over time. As your business advances through the tiers, you build a stronger security foundation, eventually positioning yourself to achieve the highest levels of certification, including ISO/IEC 27001. If you currently have several security measures in place, you may already have a Bronze or Silver badge, meaning the steps to move up the scale may be easier than you think!
4. Supports Progression Towards ISO/IEC 27001
SMB1001 not only helps you establish a solid cyber security baseline but paves the way for future progression. By meeting SMB1001 requirements, you lay the groundwork for achieving ISO/IEC 27001 certification, which is increasingly becoming a standard expectation in the business world.
Why Now?
As cyber threats continue to evolve and regulatory requirements become stricter, investing in a certification like SMB1001 is a proactive step towards protecting your business. The framework’s focus on essential security practices ensures that your business can manage risks effectively without unnecessary complexity.
The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) developed The Essential Eight, a comprehensive framework for protecting your IT environment and may soon make requirements mandatory for all businesses. Beginning with SMB1001 is the ideal start to ensuring your business meets the Essential Eight Maturity Levels. To learn more about Essential Eight, visit our blog “Essential Eight for Small Businesses – Tips and Tricks for Effective Implementation”.
Why We Help
“Supporting businesses in obtaining their SMB1001 badge gives us the opportunity to help them build credibility and trust. We understand how crucial it is for small and medium-sized businesses to demonstrate their commitment to security and operational excellence, and we’re proud to be a part of that process.” – Kai Lego
“The SMB1001 badge represents more than just a certification—it’s a reflection of a company’s dedication to best practices and industry standards. Helping businesses achieve this badge allows us to empower them to compete on a larger scale and provide their customers with the assurance that they are in good hands.” – Rob Fullwood
“Obtaining the SMB1001 badge helps businesses stand out as industry leaders in their field. We love being part of the journey that equips them with the recognition they deserve, especially knowing that this badge opens doors to new opportunities and fosters greater customer loyalty.” – Glenn Beall
“What makes the SMB1001 badge so great is how straightforward and accessible the process is. It’s specifically designed with SMBs in mind, ensuring that even smaller businesses can easily meet the requirements without the heavy overhead usually associated with certifications. We love guiding businesses through this simple yet impactful process that helps them gain the recognition they deserve.” – David Sullivan
Ready to enhance your cyber security with SMB1001? At IQPC, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process. Our team of experts can help you implement SMB1001 and move towards higher levels of certification.
Reach out to our friendly team on 1300 662 779 or complete the enquiry form on our contact page and we’ll touch base with you to discuss how we can help.
For more information about SMB1001, visit CSCAU.
