The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has launched Exercise in a Box, a specially designed tool that was initially developed by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre.  It was shared with ACSC and customised to help small to medium-sized businesses in the Australian threat environment but is also useful for individuals.

Exercise in a Box works by taking a small group of your key staff through a series of structured questions relating to an area of cyber security. By completing the exercises, you will understand the risks your organisation is currently exposed to and what you can do to help mitigate them.  It then generates a report highlighting where your business can improve its cyber security.  You can access to free tool at www.cyber.gov.au/exercise-in-a-boxLast year, the ACSC saw an increase in the number and sophistication of cyber threats facing Australia. The Australian Cyber Security Hotline received over 25,000 calls during the last financial year, an average of 69 per day and an increase of 15 per cent from the previous financial year.

The ACSC also received over 76,000 cyber crime reports, an increase of almost 13 per cent from the previous financial year. Ransomware remains the most destructive cyber crime threat in Australia due to its significant financial and reputational costs.

The ACSC is there to help all Australians impacted by cyber incidents. The ACSC’s cyber security advice and assistance is available 24/7 through the Australian Cyber Security Hotline (1300 CYBER1) with free online resources available on the website. You can also report a cyber crime or cyber security incident at ReportCyber.