Unfortunately, the insidious nature of these attacks means that stopping them is often easier said than done. How do you secure your business when one staff member can undermine it all in an instant? One way is through phishing tests.

Discover the biggest security mistakes small businesses make

What is a phishing scam?

Phishing is one of the most common types of social engineering attacks. Unlike traditional cyber security threats, which often rely on advanced technological techniques, social engineering leverages human psychology. Malicious actors attempt to trick employees into compromising the business’ security, opening attack vectors for them.

Phishing accomplishes this through impersonation. Threat actors pretend to be a trusted entity such as a manager or third-party vendor, and convince staff members to download malware or hand over login credentials. They typically do this by inducing a powerful emotion such as fear (for example, they may threaten the employee’s job). Usual types of phishing threats include email scams, smishing (SMS messages), or vishing (phone calls). However, thanks to the introduction of deep fake technology, even a video conference could be a cyber-attack in disguise these days.

What is a phishing simulation test?

As with all social engineering attacks, your best defence is education. Staff must know what to look for and how to respond. For this reason, many cyber awareness courses already contain training modules that discuss phishing attempts. But there is one flaw in this plan, and you likely already know what it is: training so often goes in one ear and right out the other. Until you experience a real attack, it is hard to know how effective your courses have been.

This is exactly the principle that phishing tests leverage. Instead of waiting until your business is in real danger, you run simulated phishing attacks. This strategy allows you to uncover knowledge gaps in a safe environment, providing you with an opportunity to correct them. Phishing tests are an essential part of modern cyber security.

Learn how to protect your business from AI-powered phishing attacks

The benefits of phishing testing

Phishing simulation tests may seem underhanded at first glance. But it’s important to remember that this is not about “Catching out” your employees. You are not trying to punish or trap anyone, but to educate them in a more practical way. There are a few important benefits when you train your employees in this way:

• Risk Reduction: By identifying vulnerabilities before attackers do, you can address them early and reduce your risk of a real scam succeeding.
• Cost Savings: Cyber awareness training is far cheaper than recovering from a breach.
• Compliance: Documented phishing testing helps demonstrate regulatory compliance. If you are breached anyway, this could prove invaluable.
• Staff Morale: When employees feel equipped and empowered to assist in your business’ cyber security, morale rises.

How to create a phishing email test that works

Simulated phishing emails are the fastest – and most effective – way to check your team’s knowledge. Here’s how you can create one that will serve your needs:

Tailor Your Message:

Mimic threats your business is likely to face in real life. For example, you might use particular vendors that are often impersonated, or be more likely to receive a certain type of request. You can use real phishing attempts in your inbox as a reference. Include a fake – but harmless – “malicious” link.

Track Metrics:

Measure click-through rates (CTRs), report rates, and response time. Ironically, unlike most situations, you are looking for a low CTR here instead of a high one.

Follow Up:

Create a list of everyone who clicked the link or offered sensitive information, and provide additional training for those people. It is important not to shame or embarrass them. Humiliated employees will shut down and won’t learn anything. Your goal is simply to support them.

Repeat:

Schedule similar tests on a regular basis to keep awareness high. You may choose a set time (for example, every six months) or perform tests randomly. The latter will make it easier to detect gaps, as staff won’t be expecting the test.

FAQs

How often should I run an email phishing test?

Phishing simulations should be performed at least a couple of times per year. The more often you repeat them, the more your message will sink in. You should also perform a test after each security incident.

Will phishing tests upset my staff?

Not if you handle them correctly. Be empathic and reassuring. Emphasise that the purpose of these tests is to help your staff, not embarrass them.

What is the point of a phishing link test?

The link is an important part of your phishing testing. It tells you how many employees fell for the scam. Many real attackers will use links, so you need to know who will click on them.

Is there phishing email test software available?

There is phishing email test software available to help, if necessary. However, you can also do it by yourself or ask your managed service provider for help.

How can I teach my staff about phishing scams?

Teach employees about the tell-tale signs of a scam, such as suspicious links or attachments and an attempt to elicit emotion. Explain what they should do if they suspect someone is trying to scam them. For example, they might delete the email or reach out independently to verify information. Use real phishing attempts to provide a practical example, and explain what can go wrong if employees fall for the scam.

Empower your team to stop cyber threats

Phishing tests help create a security-first culture that allows your team to confidently handle cyber-attacks. It’s not about distrusting your staff. It’s about giving them the skills they need to thrive, both now and in the future. In the process, you lower your risk of experiencing a devastating breach that could cost you time, money, and trust.

BarberaIT is ready to help you secure your business. We provide Australian businesses with the information they need to prevent cyber-attacks, mitigate risk, and ensure a profitable future. If you’re interested, start by learning some essential cyber hygiene tips.

The post Phishing tests: the cyber security must-have for every SMB appeared first on Barbera IT.

The reality is that a glitch, outage or breach could pause your operations at any time. Under these circumstances, the right IT support might mean the difference between a minor disruption and hours of lost productivity.

But how do you find the right support? And what happens if you choose the wrong one?

What is IT support?

IT support providers are third-party experts who keep your technology running smoothly. This may include a wide range of tasks, including:

• Remote support
• On-site support
• Helpdesk services
• Cyber security
• 24/7 monitoring
• Incident response
• Cloud and device management
• Optimisation

These services are typically offered through a fixed monthly fee that leverages economies of scale.

The unique IT challenges small businesses face

IT issues happen in every system. But small businesses face certain challenges that larger corporations do not:

Tight budgets

Small businesses work with very limited budgets. Each dollar spent needs to deliver immediate value, often leading to underinvestment in their IT infrastructure. Where money is set aside, it is typically used to purchase new solutions rather than upgrading existing technology. With so many other things to pay for, maintenance is rarely a priority until equipment has already broken down.

Limited or no in-house expertise

Already-cramped offices and tight budgets make it virtually impossible to maintain an internal IT team. Often, small businesses rely on a regular staff member or office manager who happens to know basic troubleshooting. This works well enough for issues that only require a simple restart to fix, but anything worse is likely entirely outside their skill set.

Outdated infrastructure

Legacy systems, unpatched software, and neglected security create a perfect storm that drastically increases the occurrence of failures. Equipment that should last for ten years breaks down in five due to a lack of maintenance. The extra financial strain created by these frequent replacements further discourages timely upgrades, compounding the problem.

Outdated technology also integrates poorly with modern solutions, and is sometimes completely incompatible. This hinders the ability of small businesses to keep up with modern trends, putting them behind the competition and damaging efficiency.

The benefits of IT support companies for small businesses

The benefits of IT support services for small businesses are enormous. A good provider can solve all of the challenges your company faces, bringing you closer to your goals. Some reasons to consider this approach include:

Less downtime

Downtime costs businesses millions of dollars each year. Each hour that your operations are paused represents money lost. Extended periods of downtime can also make your organisation look untrustworthy or incompetent, severely damaging your reputation and lowering your long-term profitability. After all, if given the choice between a vendor that functions normally and one that always seems to be offline, which would you trust?

IT support services ensure that your systems stay online longer, and recover faster when an outage does occur. Rather than business operations being halted indefinitely, you are given a clear estimate of when staff can return to work. This information can then be passed on to your customers, helping them understand the situation and increasing the likelihood that they will accept it.

Access to a full team, without the overhead

Hiring an in-house IT team is prohibitively expensive for most small businesses. Among the costs to consider are:

• Salaries
• Benefits
• Superannuation
• Training
• Equipment
• Office space
• Worker’s compensation

And if that staff member leaves or cannot work, the entire process starts again from scratch. IT support companies for small businesses provide access to a complete team, with expertise in a wide range of areas, for a fraction of this price. In doing so, they allow you to leverage a larger pool of knowledge than you ever could on your own.

Stronger security

Cyber security is simultaneously one of your most important considerations, and one of the most neglected areas of small business IT. A good support specialist will:

• Monitor for potential cyber threats
• Identify vulnerabilities that put your business at risk
• Implement advanced security measures
• Help you maintain strong data backup processes

These small actions drastically reduce your chances of experiencing a major breach, protecting your business from data loss, financial issues, reputational damage, and even legal trouble.

A smarter strategy

IT support should do far more than resolve issues. Ideally, they will also help you develop better strategies to reach your goals. Your provider assesses your current business environment and future goals, providing actionable insights to align your IT with these factors. Instead of wasting money on random investments that sounded interesting at the time but don’t offer real value, IT support keeps you focused on technology that drives growth.

Predictable costs

The flat monthly fee charged by most service providers, along with fewer outages, means that your IT expenses suddenly become far more predictable. The budgeting process is vastly simplified, reducing stress and allowing you to plan more effectively.

Improved efficiency

IT support companies don’t sit around, waiting for a problem to appear. They proactively monitor your systems for any signs of trouble. This often allows them to identify and address small inefficiencies that slow down your staff, improving your overall productivity. In the long term this saves money that would normally be wasted, which translates into higher profits.

Fewer distractions

Without an IT support provider, it becomes your responsibility to resolve issues. Depending on the complexity of your infrastructure, this could easily take up hours of each day. This is time that you cannot spend leading your business, which means other important tasks often go uncompleted.

External IT support solves this problem entirely. The provider supports your business’ IT, so you can focus on more important matters. Rather than wasting two hours trying to troubleshoot a minor workflow issue, you spend that time strategising your company’s future.

Stress-free compliance

IT has become fraught with legal stresses within the last decade, due to a number of increasingly strict data protection regulations that have appeared around the world. Local laws such as the Privacy Act have tightened, enforcing higher penalties and harsher requirements. Meanwhile, new regulations overseas often apply to your business even if it is located in Australia. The consequences of non-compliance are steep, and the damage inflicted on your reputation can be even worse.

Fortunately, third-party IT experts are typically well-versed in local and international regulations. They understand which laws you must comply with and how best to accomplish this, taking the responsibility off your shoulders and helping you avoid penalties.

Are you looking for IT support services in Horsham?

How much does IT support cost for a small business?

The cost of IT support for small businesses is a common concern. Unfortunately, it is also difficult to estimate. This is because the actual price you pay depends on a variety of factors:

• The size of your business
• Your industry (high-risk organisations may require additional services, for instance)
• The complexity of your IT infrastructure
• The services you require

Many providers also offer multiple service tiers at different prices, allowing you to switch back and forth as needed. This grants you some extra flexibility to adapt as your needs change. It is equally important to note that each provider’s costs may vary based on their own unique circumstances.

Generally, your best option is to ask any providers you are considering for a direct quote. They will give you their best estimate based on the level of service you require. Then, you can compare them against each other. If nothing else, this strategy at least gives you a ballpark figure.

Finding the best IT support for small business: what to look for

Not all service providers are created equal, and a bad one might do more harm than good. These traits can help you identify the best IT support for small businesses:

Speed and reliability

Outsourcing IT support should always result in noticeably reduced downtime. Look for clear service level agreements (SLAs) and performance metrics that outline the results you can expect to see. Inability or unwillingness to provide these things may be a warning sign, as it shows that the provider does not want to commit to results.

Experience

Verify that your chosen provider has a proven track record of success. Examine testimonies, case studies, and reviews to see if past clients have reported positive experiences. Look at how many years the company has existed for, as a long history often indicates financial success and thus happy clients.

Good communication

All communication with your support specialists should be easy, fast, and clear. Ask yourself if your provider:

• Answers quickly
• Listens to you
• Asks questions
• Can explain highly technical concepts to a layman
• Provides all important information the first time they are asked
• Communicates openly, even during difficult or unpleasant conversations

If they appear to be constantly unavailable, or don’t take an active interest in your business, this shows that you are not a priority to them. This should be deeply concerning, as it means they are not motivated to complete tasks quickly, well, or in a way that addresses your specific needs.

Cyber security

Security is not optional, especially for a partner with full access to your IT infrastructure. IT support handles the most vulnerable parts of your business on a daily basis, and it is essential that they take this responsibility seriously. Before committing, verify that they prioritise security and compliance. It might be wise to choose a provider who also offers cyber security services, as this indicates that they likely have a thorough understanding of the topic.

Proactive strategy

If your provider only seems to appear when an issue arises, they are not a good choice. The best IT support for small businesses will take a proactive approach, looking for things they can improve to keep your technology safe and efficient.

Human support

There is a time and a place for chatbots. When your systems are offline and deadlines are looming, you need the support of real humans who can walk you through nuanced situations and problem-solve on the spot. While the presence of AI does not necessarily indicate a problem on its own, it should never be difficult to connect with a real person.

24/7 availability

IT problems do not wait until normal business hours to strike. Neither should your support team. The best providers offer 24/7 issue resolution and incident response, ensuring that you don’t arrive on Monday morning to a system that has been ransacked by threat actors.

Local IT support for small businesses: why offshore isn’t an option

Many businesses find it tempting to choose offshore IT support, rather than sourcing a team locally. It is easy to understand why, given the lower prices they often offer. But this can be a mistake. The truth is that local IT support for small businesses is almost always the better option.

Offshore support

Offshore support charges a lower hourly rate, but the trade-offs may cost you more in the long run:

• Slower Issue Resolution: Time zone differences often mean your staff wait hours or even days to have simple issues fixed.
• Poor Communication: Language barriers may result in miscommunications, hindering your partner’s ability to support your business.
• Scripted Support: Offshore IT support is often heavily scripted and primarily meant to address simple issues. This means they might not be able to help you with more complex problems that require a deeper level of assistance.
• Remote Only: Remote support is extremely useful, but it is also limited. Offshore providers can only help you with issues that can be resolved from a distance.

Local support

While local IT support is typically more expensive, this higher price comes with tangible benefits:

• On-Site Availability: Sometimes your IT support needs to be in the room with you to understand the problem. Local providers can provide both on-site and remote IT support for small businesses, allowing them the necessary flexibility to respond effectively to any situation.
• Contextual Knowledge: Providers based in the same location as you have additional context about the unique circumstances your business operates under, better equipping them to address your needs.
• More Specialised Support: Rather than relying on scripted troubleshooting designed to resolve low-level issues, local providers are able to offer real-time solutions for complex technical problems.
• Fast Response Times: Local support works when you do, which means they are always there when you need them.

For these reasons, investing in local IT support is always the best option where possible.

Questions to ask before signing the contract

The following questions can help you quickly determine whether a given provider is the right fit for your business:

• What is your average resolution time?
• Where are your support teams based?
• What security measures do you use to ensure the safety of your clients?
• Will we get a dedicated account manager?
• Which channels do you typically use to share information?
• Which industries do you specialise in?
• Can you continue to support us as the business grows?
• What happens if we’re not satisfied?

Frequently asked questions

What is the average cost of IT support for small businesses?

The cost of IT support services can vary significantly, based on your unique circumstances. It is always best to ask for a direct quote.

How do I find the best IT support for my small business?

The right fit for your company will communicate clearly, take an interest in you, prioritise security, and adjust to suit your needs.

What is the value of remote IT support for small businesses?

Remote IT support can provide faster issue resolution, in circumstances where waiting for on-site assistance would take too long.

Find the best IT support for small businesses near you

Technology should bring your business closer to success, not hold you back. The right support will address problems quickly and effectively, letting your team get back to work sooner and with less hassle. Look for a partner who takes a genuine interest in guiding you towards long-term growth, and you won’t be disappointed.

Are you looking for local, trustworthy IT support? BarberaIT speaks plainly, acts quickly, and stays the course no matter how complicated the situation becomes. Our tailored solutions keep your technology running, while you focus on running the business. If that sounds intriguing, explore our Sydney and Melbourne services now.

The post How to choose the best IT support for small businesses in Australia appeared first on Barbera IT.