When Australia suffers high-profile cyberattacks, the nation watches as millions of personal records, vital supply chains, and corporate reputations hang in the balance. Cyberattacks cause millions in losses, expose businesses to extortion and shatter public trust.
As cybercriminals grow more sophisticated, the need for cybersecurity awareness training has never been clearer. Our experts are here to unpack why training is your organisation’s strongest shield and how to get it right.
Understanding Cyber Threats: The Hidden Dangers in Everyday Business
Cyber threats take many forms and can strike any organisation, no matter the size or sector. In Australia, cybercrime costs businesses billions, and cybercriminals launch a new attack every six minutes. Consider just a few of the threats:
- Phishing: Deceptive emails that trick employees into revealing passwords or sensitive data.
- Ransomware: Malicious software locks down systems and freezes daily operations until victims pay a ransom.
- Business email compromise: Sophisticated frauds targeting accounts payable, diverting payments to criminal-controlled accounts.
- Insider threats: Staff or contractors who deliberately or accidentally breach security protocols.
- Social engineering: Manipulating people, not systems, to gain access to protected information.
Cyberattacks by the Numbers: 1.6% of GDP Obliterated
Earlier in the year, cybercriminals targeted some of Australia’s largest superannuation funds with coordinated hacks, gaining unauthorised access to accounts and causing $500,000 in losses.
QANTAS suffered a breach affecting around 6 million customers. Hackers accessed data, including names, emails, phone numbers, birthdates, and frequent-flyer IDs, exposing citizens to potential ID theft.
A Microsoft study uncovered a dramatic reality: cyberattacks can strip as much as $29 billion from Australian businesses each year – that’s a staggering 1,6% of GDP, or enough to build:
- 11 modern hospitals
- 1,000+ new primary schools
- Over 16 major highway projects
The message is simple. The time for cybersecurity awareness training is now.
Why Cybersecurity Training is Important
Most cyber incidents begin with human error. According to recent government data, 30% of major data breaches are due to staff mistakes. Training your team to spot and avoid threats turns your people from a risk into a vital line of defence.
Key benefits of cybersecurity awareness training:
- Reduces risk: Informed employees are less likely to fall for scams or mishandle data.
- Protects assets: Training keeps customer and business data safe from theft or extortion.
- Builds a security culture: When everyone understands the stakes, good security habits spread.
- Meets compliance: Training supports compliance with Australia’s Privacy Act and Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.
- Boosts resilience: With the right skills, teams can respond quickly to incidents and limit the damage.
Learn more: Understanding the 5 C’s of Cyber Security for Better Online Safety.
4 Must-Haves for an Effective Cybersecurity Awareness Training Program
Effective cybersecurity training for employees blends practical knowledge with ongoing reinforcement and addresses threats as they evolve.
1. Comprehensive Curriculum
Training should cover the essentials: phishing awareness, password hygiene, data handling, device and remote work security, and the latest scams. The ATI-Mirage program, for instance, explores everything from social engineering to multi-factor authentication and business cybersecurity best practices.
2. Interactive and Engaging Methods
Hands-on, scenario-based exercises help people remember what they learn. Whether in-person or online, sessions must encourage participation, discussion, and real-world problem-solving.
3. Regular Updates and Refreshers
Cyber risks are always changing. Ongoing learning through periodic refreshers or micro-training ensures staff stay alert to new tactics and threats.
4. Practical Outcomes
Courses should leave every participant with clear, actionable steps they can apply in both their professional and personal lives.
Inside ATI-Mirage’s Cyber Security Awareness Training: Essentials for Modern Teams
At ATI-Mirage, our Cyber Security Awareness – The Essentials course is designed for both non-IT professionals and business end users. Delivered in our Perth CBD centre or virtually, this half-day course packs in high-impact learning and real-world practice.
Course Highlights:
- Led by expert trainers who know the local threat landscape
- Interactive, practical, and tailored for Australian workplaces
- Covers business cyber security, email and internet security, device safety, remote work, and social media risk
- Comprehensive manual and take-home resources
- Free post-course help desk for ongoing support
- Certificate of Attendance for every participant
Who is it for?
Any staff member who accesses business systems or data, including managers, HR professionals, team leaders, and even IT staff, is looking to boost end-user awareness.
How to Implement and Measure a Successful Cybersecurity Training Program
Start by assessing your organisation’s needs. Map your digital assets, review past incidents, and survey staff awareness. Identify high-risk roles and tailor your training content to match.
Next, choose a training platform that suits your team, whether in-person, virtual, or blended. Roll out the program with management support, using interactive sessions and real-life examples to keep everyone engaged.
Measure results with quizzes and feedback, track incident trends, and refresh the training regularly as new threats emerge. Always encourage staff to ask questions and report concerns.
We’ve Heard You Loud and Clear
We hear the same concerns from businesses across Perth when it comes to building a strong cybersecurity culture:
“Staff don’t take cyber threats seriously.”
Solution: Make training relatable with real-world stories and hands-on practice, and link cyber safety to business outcomes and personal reputation.
“It’s hard to find time for training.”
Solution: Short, focused sessions like ATI-Mirage’s half-day courses fit into busy schedules while delivering practical value.
“We don’t have in-house expertise.”
Solution: Outsource to credible partners. With ATI-Mirage, you get Perth’s best trainers and ongoing support to keep your team sharp.
“Remote and hybrid work make it harder to train everyone.”
Solution: Use virtual classes and digital resources to include all staff, regardless of location.
Secure Your Future with Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Cybersecurity threats evolve every day. Investing in cybersecurity awareness training can mean the difference between costly losses and a secure business. When you empower your people with knowledge and tools, you protect both your money and your safety. ATI-Mirage stands ready to help you build a stronger, safer workplace.
Ready to take action? Call (08) 9218 9059 or email hello@ati-mirage.com.au and book your Cyber Security Awareness – The Essentials course with ATI-Mirage today. Equip your people, protect your business, and stay ahead of cyber threats.
