Two-thirds of Australian small businesses hit by AI-powered cyber attacks
An ESET report found two-thirds of Australian organisations suffered at least one AI-related cyber threat last year.
About two-thirds of Australian organisations surveyed by ESET experienced an AI-related cyber threat in the past year. 92 per cent were actively using AI tools daily.
The threats include AI-generated phishing, voice cloning and deepfake impersonations. Small and medium businesses are most exposed.
The Australian Signals Directorate found the average cost of cybercrime per business rose 16 per cent. It reached about $93,500 in the past year.
Medium-sized businesses reported costs around $141,300 per incident. Small firms averaged $55,400.
Seventy-two per cent of businesses experienced a major security incident. More than one-third were hit three or more times.
Small business owners often lack cybersecurity knowledge. They cannot afford specialised staff.
Federal government awareness programs have not reached them effectively.
- About two-thirds
- Organisations hit
- 72 per cent experienced one
- Major incidents
- 16 per cent
- Cost increase
- $93,500
- Average cost per business
Why it mattersSmall businesses fuel Australia's economy, but they are widely exposed to cyber attacks. They lack the resources to defend themselves.
AustraliaIf two-thirds of Australia's small-business economy is at risk, the national economy faces a serious vulnerability that government and business must address.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
