CYBER SECURITY

Attention all small business legends!!!

You wouldn’t leave your front door wide open with a neon sign saying “Free money inside!”, right?

Well, that’s kind of what happens when your cyber security is out of date.

We’re not trying to scare you (okay, maybe a little), but here at Hills Accounting Hobart, we’ve seen too many businesses lose money — and sleep — over preventable hacks and fraud. So, we’ve pulled together some simple, non-tech-head tips to keep your software and bank accounts safe from sticky fingers.

Let’s jump in.

🔒 Lock It When You Leave It

Leaving your bookkeeping software or online banking open when you pop out for a coffee? That’s a big no-no! Log out or lock your screen, always. Especially if other people have access to your computer. (Yes, even your accountant bestie.)

🧹 Clear Out the Digital Clutter

Got users in your software who aren’t current employees? Boot ‘em. Still giving everyone access to supplier banking details? Don’t. That’s the kind of stuff hackers love to find.

🔐 Stop Reusing That One Password You Love

We know it’s easy to remember “Fluffy123!” — but so is hacking it.

Here’s your new best friend: a Password Manager. It creates long, weird, 'unguessable' passwords and remembers them for you. You just remember one. Easy.

And while we’re at it —

🚫 Don’t let your browser “remember my password”
✅ Do change your passwords regularly
✅ Don’t use the same one across accounts

🧠 Two Words: Multi-Factor Authentication

You’ve probably seen this before. A little code gets sent to your phone when you log in — that’s Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and it’s magic.

Use it everywhere: bookkeeping, banking, PayPal, supplier portals, your kids’ school app (okay, maybe not that one).

👀 Before You Hit Pay: Double Check

Here’s a sneaky scam we see more and more: hackers change the bank details in your system to their account. Boom. You pay them by accident.

🧾 Always double check supplier bank details in your software
📞 Call your supplier if anything looks fishy
🗂 Check your soft copy invoices for the correct details
🛡 Consider Cyber Insurance

We know, we know — another insurance policy?

But this one could literally save your bacon. Cyber insurance helps cover your behind if something does go wrong. And trust us, it pays for itself if the worst happens.

🧑‍💻 Bring in the Techies for This Bit

This next stuff is a bit nerdy — but important. Your IT pro can help set up things like:

• Security policies in Microsoft Exchange
• DMARC records (to help stop email spoofing)
• ESET endpoint protection, making sure it updates
• Reboot reminders so updates actually get installed

They’ll know what all that means. You don’t have to. You just have to ask them to check.

🧠 Train Your Team

Cyber crooks don’t always come through the firewall — sometimes they sneak in through the inbox. One dodgy link, and "BAM!"

Give your team (yes, even the part-timers) a leg-up with cyber awareness training. These ones are great:

👉 Cyber Wardens Course

👉 Amazon Security Learning Hub

💬 Final Word from Hills Accounting

We’re not just here to sort your tax and run some numbers. We’re here to help keep your business safe, thriving, and boringly uninteresting to hackers.

If you’d like a second set of eyes on your bookkeeping setup — or want to chat about getting started with cyber crime insurance — give us a call.

Remember, this article is general in nature and doesn’t take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. For advice tailored to your circumstances, have a chat with us at Hills Accounting Hobart.

Talk to Kathy and the team today and stay ahead with Hills Insights.
Call Now! 03) 6273 7800, or email admin@hillsaccounting.com.au