Chris Haig, our Chief Information Security Officer, explains the new SMB 1001 certification designed specifically for small to medium businesses in Australia. 

This affordable, user-friendly certification provides a practical approach to cybersecurity with different levels of protection that build upon each other like karate belts.

• SMB 1001 was developed by CyberCert and Dynamic Standards International to address the gap in security certifications for SMBs, who make up about 90% of Australian businesses

• Traditional security certifications like ISO 27001 are too complex and resource-intensive for small businesses

• The certification follows a tiered approach - Bronze ($95/year), Silver ($195/year), Gold ($395/year), Platinum and Diamond

• Bronze certification requires meeting just six basic security controls, while Silver has 14 standards and pre-qualifies businesses for cybersecurity insurance

• The process is simple: businesses self-assess with help from their MSP, tick off requirements in an easy-to-use dashboard, and have a director sign off

• Certified businesses can display the SMB 1001 badge on websites and email signatures, providing a competitive advantage

• The certification is dynamic and updated annually to stay current with evolving cybersecurity threats

• Government support is growing with initiatives like free Bronze certification through the Cyber Wardens training program

Visit the CyberWarden website or contact Mercury IT to start your SMB 1001 certification journey and protect your business with this Australian-made standard that's now going global.