Australian businesses want more govt cyber support

More than two-thirds (68%) of Australian IT decision-makers believe the government should be doing more to protect businesses from cyber attacks, new research suggests.

A survey from cybersecurity awareness training provider KnowBe4 also indicates that fewer than half (45%) of IT decision-makers are confident in their organisation’s responsibilities regarding government reporting of cyber incidents and data breaches.

IT decision-makers believe the government should be taking actions including providing more security awareness and education programs for citizens (45%), sponsoring training for Australian businesses on cyber risks (38%) and providing direct funding to businesses for cyber protection (36%).

“It’s clear from our research that Australian IT leaders and businesses are not feeling supported by the government when it comes to security issues,” KnowBe4 Security Awareness Advocate for APAC Jacqueline Jayne said.

“There is more education required for those in IT about their obligations and commitments but also of the general public about how to stay safe online both at home and at work. The reality is that cyber threats are so pervasive that keeping individuals and businesses safe requires a combined effort from the government, business leaders, IT departments and employees alike.”

But the research worryingly found that only 45% of IT decision-makers believe that it is everyone’s responsibility to protect the organisation from cyber attacks, Jayne noted.

By comparison, 31% believe it is the IT department’s responsibility, 19% believe it is the employee’s responsibility and 18% say it is the government’s responsibility.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/NicoElNino