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Hume small businesses need to wake up to the threat of cyber crime and take steps to protect personal information and operating systems.

The Federal Government wants businesses to look at websites like StaySmartOnline.gov.au  to learn how to minimise risks.

Federal Member for Hume and Minister for Cyber Security Angus Taylor said malware could shut down a small business overnight.

“Sitting at the centre of our economy as they do, small businesses, in particular, are vulnerable,” Mr Taylor said.

“As a strong supporter of Hume small businesses, I know it will be critical that they keep trust with their customers when it comes to storing and protecting personal information.

“Yet too many of our companies, and I’m not just talking about mum-and-dad operations, have their heads in the sand about this.”

Mr Taylor said more than 47,000 cyber incidents were logged by the ACSC (Australian Cyber Security Centre) in the 12 months to June 30 last year, up 15 per cent on the previous year.

Major Australian businesses accounted for 7,283 of these.

“Many small businesses are finding their email systems compromised through malicious PDF files. Ransomware attacks are becoming more common,” Mr Taylor said.

Simple steps like backing up systems daily, using encryption on computers and devices, updating software, drawing up a register of personal information belonging to customers and staff, and installing security software and spam filters, will help protect data.