Cyber Security Awareness Month is here, with the Australian Government using October to spotlight the need for stronger digital defences. The 2025 theme, “Building our Cyber Safe Culture”, highlights that security isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a daily habit every business needs to adopt. For Australian SMEs, the biggest risks often arise where money moves: invoices, payroll and bank details. A single breach in these areas can quickly spiral into cash flow stress, reputational harm and lasting financial damage.

We break down the most common risks and show how we work together to keep your financial data secure.

Why Financial Data is a Top Target

Financial information is one of the most valuable assets a cyber-criminal can access. Bank details, tax file numbers, invoices and payroll records are highly sought after because they can be quickly sold, manipulated or used for fraud. Unfortunately, many businesses underestimate their vulnerability, assuming hackers only go after large corporations. In reality, small and medium businesses are among the most common victims because their defences are often weaker.

Four Steps to Strengthen Your Cyber Culture

The ACSC recommends that every business owner make these habits part of their daily routine:

  • Install software updates: Outdated systems are the easiest entry point for attackers. Automatic updates close vulnerabilities before criminals can exploit them.
  • Use strong passphrases: Passphrases of 15+ characters, built from random words, are harder to crack and easier to remember than complex passwords. Using a password manager reduces reuse and errors.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra barrier, particularly on high-value accounts such as online banking, payroll and email.
  • Normalise cyber habits: Just as you lock the office door, securing digital systems should be a reflex. Training staff to recognise phishing attempts and suspicious requests is critical.

Invoice Scams: The Fastest Way to Lose Cash

Invoice fraud happens when criminals change bank details on bills or impersonate a supplier to divert your payment. It often starts with a compromised email account, weak approval processes or rushed payment runs. The impact is immediate: lost funds, supplier disputes and cash flow stress.

Invoice redirection is one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes. Criminals intercept emails or compromise supplier accounts, altering bank details so your payment is sent straight to them. Once transferred, funds are often unrecoverable.

Controls to put in place:

  • Verify any change to supplier bank details using an independent phone number, not the one in the email or invoice.
  • Use an approvals tool with role-based permissions and audit trails for bills and payment runs.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on email, accounting and approvals software.
  • Lock down the supplier master file so only authorised staff can edit it, with notifications on every change.
  • Consider e-invoicing and secure document capture to reduce tampering.

Payroll Fraud: Small Errors, Big Consequences

Payroll is a prime target because it touches identity data and bank accounts. Risks include fake or altered employee records, unauthorised bank detail changes, timesheet manipulation and phishing that tricks staff into sharing credentials. A breach can lead to wage theft allegations, ATO issues and reputational damage.

Controls to put in place:

  • Segregate duties: one person sets up or changes bank details, another approves and a third reviews reports.
  • Enforce MFA and least-privilege access in your payroll system; switch off generic logins.
  • Implement change logs and automatic alerts for edits to sensitive fields (bank, TFN, super).
  • Reconcile payroll reports to bank files and Single Touch Payroll regularly.
  • Use a formal, out-of-band process to confirm any employee bank detail change.

Weak Access Controls: Open Doors to Your Data

Shared passwords, broad permissions and poor offboarding leave gaps that attackers exploit. If former staff still have access or everyone is an admin, one phishing click can expose your entire financial system. Strong access hygiene is one of the cheapest, highest-impact defences.

Controls to put in place:

  • Roll out a password manager and enforce MFA everywhere you can.
  • Map roles and apply least-privilege permissions across all finance apps.
  • Standardise onboarding and offboarding, including licence removal and device wipes.
  • Run quarterly access reviews to remove dormant users and right-size permissions.
  • Centralise logins with SSO where possible for tighter control and simpler audits.

Other Risks to Stay Alert For

While invoices, payroll and access controls are common entry points, it’s important not to overlook broader scams that target Australian businesses every day. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) received over 94,000 cybercrime reports in the last financial year — that’s one attack every six minutes.

Scammers may impersonate the ATO, a bank, or even a trusted advisor to trick you into sharing details or making a payment. Red flags include:

  • Emails or texts claiming to be from the ATO asking you to update your financial information or threatening arrest for unpaid tax.
  • Phone calls demanding urgent payment through unusual methods such as gift cards, cryptocurrency or cash transfers.
  • Messages that appear to come from Carbon Group, but use a slightly altered email address or create pressure for immediate action.

Remember: Carbon Group will never ask for sensitive information such as passwords or TFNs via email, and we’ll never pressure you into making payments through unsecure methods. If something doesn’t feel right, contact your Carbon advisor directly through our official channels.

How Carbon Helps Protect You

At Carbon, we know cyber criminals don’t just target weak technology; they exploit weak processes. That’s why we go beyond IT, working directly on the financial systems where your risks are highest.

Our team audits your finance stack, maps data flows and implements secure, cloud-based tools that balance control with efficiency. We configure role-based permissions, enforce MFA, set up approval workflows and lock down supplier master files. Alerts on sensitive changes, secure e-invoicing and documented processes mean you stay in control as your business grows.

And because no defence is bulletproof, we also help you prepare for the unexpected. Through Carbon Insurance Brokers, we can source cyber insurance that covers costs like payment redirection losses, data recovery and reputational damage. The result? A financial system that’s efficient, compliant and resilient.

If You Suspect Fraud or a Breach

Act quickly and keep records. Disconnect affected devices from the network, reset credentials, contact your bank to halt or recall payments, and secure your accounting and email systems. Preserve evidence, notify impacted stakeholders as required, and get expert help. Carbon can coordinate immediate system checks, payment tracing and insurance notifications.

Ready to Reduce Your Risk?

Cyber criminals target weak processes, not just weak tech. The fastest way to protect your financial data is to combine strong habits with secure systems, employee awareness and the right insurance.

Book a confidential systems, fraud-risk and insurance review with Carbon today.

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