New research from CyberWardens has revealed that young Australians are less likely to be aware of cyber threats compared to their older counterparts. 

As Australian small business owners grapple with how to protect themselves and their customers online, CyberWardens warn owners to not assume that their young social media-savvy family members or employees have the know-how to defend their businesses from a cyber attack. 

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

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

According to a new survey of over 2000 small business owners and employees by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia’s Cyber Wardens program, the country’s first generation of digital natives is among the least aware of common cyber security threats such as identity theft and ransomware. 

The survey, which sends a warning to small business owners who rely on younger family members or employees to manage their technology and business social media, reveals that four in five are not confident in their ability to prepare for, fight and recover from a cyber security threat. 

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By examining the generational approaches to cyber security, the research found that two-thirds or 67 per cent of Australian small business owners believe tech-savviness equates to cyber safety skills. 

Although Gen Z employees have grown up with Tiktok and Minecraft, the research suggests that they are among the least cyber safe as they lack the awareness and key competencies of cyber security compared to their older colleagues.  

Despite this, the survey shows that Gen Z rate their skills to prepare for, fight and respond to cyber threats as on par to all other generations, suggesting inflated levels of confidence. 

The safest pair of hands in the small business community appear to be GenXers and upper Millennials in their 30s, who are the most likely to take cyber security seriously.  

Telstra Small and Medium Business Executive Anne Da Cunha said the findings demonstrate the importance of a cooperative approach to cyber security across generations, industries and businesses. 

“Australian small business owners have done it tough the past few years, emerging from COVID, navigating global supply chain issues and for some the impacts of natural disasters, the last thing they need is a cyber attack or scam to contend with,” she said 

Check out: Cyber security experts warn rise of cybercrime-as-a-service

The Cyber Wardens program, developed in partnership with the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) and Telstra will be rolled out this year to help safeguard Australia’s 2.3 million small businesses and lock the digital front doors of businesses across the country. 

Source: CyberWardens media release. Content has been edited for style and length. 

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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