Tasmania’s readiness to repel cyber attacks and ransomware will be assessed as part of a new statewide survey with the backing of the tech sector.
Tasmania’s peak body for the Information, Communication and Technology sector, TasICT said the opt-in survey of businesses and TasICT members would allow a scan of how well Tasmanian business were prepared for cyber-attacks and espionage.
TasICT CEO Russell Kelly said data was valuable, and thieves were now regularly testing the IT systems of businesses large and small to steal data or lockdown computers to extort a ransom.
“In financial year 2024 alone there were more than a thousand ransomware cases reported to the Australian Signals Directorate, and that is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Mr Kelly said the survey could be answered anonymously, with businesses asked to nominate if they have cyber security protection in place, what kind, the challenges they face, the enhancements they have planned, and whether they are adopting Artificial Intelligence in their quest to stay cyber-safe.
The survey has been sent to all TasICT members as well as members of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Results of the survey will be collated by Vision42 and presented as part of the 2025 TasICT-AISA Cyber Conference at Wrest Point Convention centre on 21 August.
Managing Director of Vision42 Justin Collins said preliminary results so far showed Tasmanian businesses were alert but many were struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of change.
“We hope that the survey results will help all businesses realise they are not alone when it comes to cyber security and build a common imperative to protect themselves and their customers.”
The TasICT-AISA Cyber Conference is now Tasmania’s biggest tech event of the year, with keynote address to be given this year by Australia’s National Cyber Security Coordinator LTGEN Michelle McGuinness.
Take the cyber security survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LY2RB6S
See conference website here: https://web.cvent.com/event/e65ca691-ebdb-43fa-8789-dbc52ad725d4/summary