As Cybersecurity Awareness Month draws to a close, the message “Cybersecurity is Everyone’s Business” remains vital. Despite fewer high-profile breaches making headlines, cyber threats are still very much present. Just this month, Australian companies like Funlab, Perfection Fresh and Road Distribution Services were targeted by cyberattacks, underscoring the ongoing risk.

These incidents highlight the importance of Australia’s Cyber Security Legislative Package 2024, part of the Cyber Security Strategy 2023-2030, which aims to position Australia as a cyber-secure leader by 2030. However, no legislation can replace the personal responsibility each of us carries in protecting ourselves online.

Cybersecurity Starts with You

At the beginning of the month, the Department of Home Affairs introduced four actionable steps for Australians to enhance their cybersecurity, emphasising business-grade practices like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and password management. These are not merely suggestions—they are essential habits for securing our digital identities.

The threat is evolving, even if it’s not always making front-page news. Complacency is the enemy; we must remain vigilant to prevent potential breaches.

Blurred Lines Between Work and Personal Life

One of the main challenges is that there is the ncreasing blurring of boundaries between work and home life—across locations, devices and passwords— heightening vulnerabilities. However, sophisticated security measures like Privileged Access Management (PAM)—commonly used by businesses—can be applied to personal accounts as well.

Consider how you treat your banking credentials versus a shopping account. We instinctively apply tighter security measures—stronger passwords, MFA and sometimes using password managers—to sensitive accounts. This is PAM at the personal level. Extending these security practices across all online accounts limits damage if a less critical account is compromised.

The Complexity for Businesses

Even with dedicated IT teams, businesses face challenges in maintaining airtight security. For example, a recent audit of New South Wales public sector agencies revealed that nearly one-third struggled with managing privileged accounts, exposing weaknesses like poor password management and inadequate monitoring.

If large organisations struggle, it’s easy to see why individuals find cybersecurity overwhelming. This is why businesses must lead the way—ensuring their own digital transformations don’t increase vulnerabilities, but instead promote stronger, more consistent protection across the board.

A Shared Responsibility

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Consumers must adopt stronger digital habits, while businesses need to lead by enforcing unique passwords, using MFA and offering secure tools like password managers to employees. The digital world is constantly evolving and organisations need to ensure that their staff and systems are protected.

Now is the time to double down on security measures, even in the absence of major, headline-grabbing breaches. The threat is real and it’s waiting for any moment of weakness.

Keeping the Momentum Going

The recent wave of attacks, though lower-profile, is also a clear reminder that we can’t afford to become complacent. Businesses should use this time to revisit their cybersecurity policies, invest in staff training and ensure they’re setting the right example for employees and customers alike. Individuals must also take personal security as seriously as organisations do.

Let’s not wait for the next big breach to remind us of the stakes. Cybersecurity is and always will be, everyone’s business.