Cyber security training for small business

Five cyber security behaviours your team should learn

Rather than focusing on technology, effective cyber security awareness training helps people understand how to respond in everyday situations. For a broader starting point, explore our guide to cyber security basics for small business.

1. Recognise suspicious messages

Cyber criminals often use emails, text messages, social media messages or phone calls to impersonate trusted organisations or people. Training can help employees recognise common warning signs such as unexpected requests, urgent language, unusual links or requests for sensitive information. 

Learn more about how to recognise phishing risks for business.

2. Verify unusual requests

Requests to change payment details, transfer money or share sensitive information should be verified through a separate trusted communication channel. Encouraging employees to pause and confirm unusual requests can help reduce the risk of fraud. 

Find out how business email compromise can affect payment and information requests.

3. Handle business information carefully

Employees should understand what information is sensitive, where it should be stored and how it should be shared. Training can help reinforce safe handling of customer data, financial information and business records.

Explore practical steps to help protect customer data.

4. Report concerns early

Employees should know who to contact if they receive a suspicious message, notice unusual account activity or believe something may have gone wrong. Quick reporting may help reduce the impact of a cyber incident.

5. Respond quickly if a mistake happens

Mistakes can happen. Training can help staff understand what to do if they click a suspicious link, download an unexpected attachment or accidentally share information. Knowing how to respond quickly may help contain potential risks. 

Discover what to do if your business is targeted by cyber crime.

Create a culture of cyber awareness

Cyber security awareness is most effective when it becomes part of everyday business practices rather than a one-off training session. Regular discussions about emerging scams, clear reporting processes and encouraging employees to ask questions can help reinforce safe behaviours over time.

How can you tell if training is working?

Signs that cyber security training is helping include:

• employees report suspicious activity
• staff verify unusual requests before acting
• employees understand how to protect sensitive information
• people know who to contact if something doesn't look right
• cyber security becomes part of everyday business conversations.

Training is most effective when it helps create awareness and encourages employees to act confidently when faced with potential cyber risks.

Need help strengthening your cyber security?

Cyber security training can help employees recognise common risks and respond appropriately when something doesn't look right. Training is most effective when it's supported by appropriate security measures and expert guidance where needed.

• Device Security for Business to help protect business devices.
• Managed Services for support with more compex technology needs.
• Contact your nearest Telstra Business Technology Centre for tailored advice.