An important time in the technology world for Australian businesses, Cyber Awareness Month in 2024 is an annual reminder of how vital cybersecurity is.
Cyber Awareness Month is an initiative designed to promote the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. As cyber threats continue to evolve, Australian businesses, whether small, medium, or large, must prioritise cybersecurity to protect their data, sensitive information, operations, and reputation.
As we close in on Cyber Awareness Month in 2024, let’s take a look into how businesses can prepare for such an event with the assistance of Managed IT Services.
When is Cyber Awareness Month in 2024?
Cyber Awareness Month in 2024 is during October.
Originally started in 2004 by the Department of Homeland Security in the United States of America, the concept is centred around bringing a larger amount of cybersecurity awareness to Americans. Since then, the event has evolved significantly, into a collaborative event worldwide, with international governments and cybersecurity experts jumping on board.
What is Cyber Awareness Month in 2024?

Cyber Awareness Month resolves entirely around providing, as the name suggests, awareness around the subject of cybersecurity and online safety. Each year, there is a different theme, or more specific focus that is concentrated on.
For example, in 2023, the theme was “Be cyber wise – don’t compromise”, encouraging users to implement 4 steps to increase cyber safety. These included:
- Updating your devices regularly
- Turning on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Backing up important files
- Using passphrases and password managers
2024’s Cyber Awareness Month theme is aimed to “Secure our World”, with a reminder around simple ways to protect yourself and your business from online threats.
Preparing for Cyber Awareness Month in 2024
Whilst Cyber Awareness Month in 2024 is still currently over a month away, this does not mean that Australian businesses should ignore the topic until then. Cybersecurity is absolutely crucial for businesses of all sizes, more so now than ever. The current available data has clearly shown that not only are cyberattacks increasing, but the costs and damages involved are as well.
According to The Australian Signals Directorate’s 2022-23 report, the average cost of cybercrime per report is up 14%. The average costs per business are:

- Small Business: $46,000
- Medium Business: $97,200
- Large Business: $71,600
This is a clear indication of just how impactful the current climate of cyberattacks are towards businesses of all sizes. This was largely due to the 23% increase in cybercrime reports, with the total nearly reaching 94,000. Of these nearly 94,000 reports, the top 3 types were email compromise, business email compromise (BEC) fraud, and online banking fraud.
This information is merely an indication of the nature of cybersecurity in Australia today. Meanwhile, Cyber Awareness Month in 2024 is a reminder of the importance of safe and secure cyber practices. However, realistically the best time to start implementing robust cybersecurity practices was yesterday. Cybercriminals are vicious, deceitful, and aggressive, and need no excuse to perform cyberattacks aimed at intruding on a business’ systems.
This is why such events in the calendar are important, as a means of reminding Australian businesses about the importance of secure IT systems. As mentioned, just because the Cyber Awareness Month in 2024 is not quite here yet, does not mean you can’t already prepare for potential cyberattacks today. There are a number of painless processes that can be done by businesses short term as a first step. These include:
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Turn on automatic updates for software and systems
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Utilise passphrases
- Backup your data
- Limit access to sensitive data and information
- Secure Business Wi-Fi networks
How Managed IT Services Improve Business Cybersecurity
Whilst the previously mentioned steps are indeed beneficial to a business’ cybersecurity standards, there are some extra measures that can be taken that can be quite significant. One major step that businesses can take to further secure their devices and systems is to implement Managed IT Services into their business.

Beyond basic support, comprehensive Managed IT Support provide businesses with more robust cybersecurity solutions. These services include mail security, data protection, and IT compliance, all tailored to your business’s specific needs. Managed IT Services also involve more advanced strategies such as implementing next-firewalls, encryption, and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA), which are essential for safeguarding sensitive data.
Managed IT services, such as the ones offered by Adept IT Solutions, offer continuous monitoring and management of your IT environment. This ensures that any potential threats are detected and mitigated before they can cause significant damage. Managed IT services also provide businesses with access to the latest cybersecurity tools and expertise, ensuring a higher quality level of cybersecurity and overall IT stature.
How Adept IT Solutions Can Help Ahead of Cyber Awareness Month in 2024
With Cyber Awareness Month in 2024 quickly approaching, Adept IT Solutions is here to assist. With an extensive collection of professional services available, businesses who contact us today to prepare, will best set themselves up for success.
Concepts such as IT Security Training, and Cybersecurity Awareness Education enable businesses and their employees to be far more prepared for potential cyberattacks from cyber criminals.
Adept IT Solutions has over 20 years of experience when it comes to enhancing business’ cybersecurity, utilising this knowledge to ensure companies are best prepared for any cyberattack attempts that may occur.
If you would like to have a chat with the team, you can do so at 1300 423 378 (ADEPT) or email us at info@adept-it.com.au. We can’t wait to hear from you!