Let’s take a look at some specific sectors and assess their risk of cyberattack. If your industry is on this list then drop us a line. As an ASD Cyber Security Business Partner, we’re across the current threats here in Australia and can give you relevant advice and assistance, including taking actions recommended by the Australian Cyber Security Center (ACSC).
1. Healthcare
A hacker’s goldmine for data theft and ransomware. If your patient records were locked by ransomware today, how quickly could you recover?
Why it’s a target
- Organisations in this sector store highly sensitive patient data
- Legacy systems and outdated software in hospitals, clinics and private practices can leave the door open for attackers
Biggest threats
- Ransomware attacks, crippling hospital systems
- Data breaches leading to identity theft and Medicare fraud
- Phishing attacks tricking staff into credential theft
Solutions – How Can We Help?
- 24/7 managed endpoint detection and response (EDR) – stop ransomware before it spreads
- Immutable backups and rapid disaster recovery – get your data back without paying ransoms (noting that paying ransoms probably won’t get your data back anyway)
- Email security and phishing awareness training – stop social engineering attacks
Contact us for a free security audit.
2. Legal & Conveyancing
Did you know that Australian law firms are a top target for invoice fraud? A single email compromise could cause (and has caused) a six figure loss.
Why it’s a target
- They handle sensitive contracts, settlements and large financial transactions
- Email based communication makes them a huge target for Business Email Compromise (BEC)
Biggest threats
- Fake invoice scams and BEC attacks, rerouting settlement funds
- Ransomware, locking legal documents and breaching client confidentiality
- Poor security awareness among legal staff
Solutions – How Can We Help?
- Email fraud protection – block spoofed emails
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – prevent unauthorised logins
- Encrypted, air-gapped backups – ensure legal data stays recoverable
- Dark web monitoring – alert firms if credentials are leaked
Contact us for a free security audit.
3. Finance & Accounting
Cybercriminals follow the money. If your financial data was breached, how long would it take to detect?
Why it’s a target
- Companies in this sector often have direct access to banking systems, payroll and investments
- Strict compliance requirements
- Cybercriminals use finance firms as stepping stones to attack clients
Biggest threats
- Financial fraud and wire transfer scams
- Insider threats and credential theft
- Unpatched software vulnerabilities in banking tools and accounting platforms
Solutions – How Can We Help?
- Zero trust policies – restrict access to financial systems
- Dark web scanning and breach alerts – find compromised passwords before hackers use them
- Cybersecurity compliance consulting – meet regulatory requirements
Contact us for a free security audit.
4. Construction & Real Estate
How confident are you that your payment requests can’t be hijacked?
Why it’s a target
- Entities in these sectors engage in large financial transactions (property sales, vendor payments, tenders) which attract hackers
- Employees often use personal email addresses for work
- Ransomware can shut down operations and kill project timelines
Biggest threats
- Business email compromise (BEC) – fake invoices diverting payments
- Weak network security at construction sites
- Data theft in property and loan documents
Solutions – How Can We Help?
- Secure cloud collaboration tools – lock down remote access
- Endpoint detection & response (EDR) – secure devices used on worksites
- Security training for non-technical staff – reduce social engineering risks
Contact us for a free security audit.
5. Manufacturing & Supply Chain
Cyber attacks = production shutdowns. How prepared is your business to recover instantly?
Why it’s a target
- Ransomware attacks can halt production and disrupt global supply chains
- Legacy IT systems & outdated control systems can leave the door open for attackers
- Intellectual property (IP) theft can target proprietry designs
Biggest threats
- Ransomware locking production lines
- IoT & OT security vulnerabilities – hackers disrupting factory equipment
- Data theft & corporate espionage
Solutions – How Can We Help?
- Zero-trust access control – restrict who can access OT/ICS systems
- Network segmentation – stop malware from spreading across systems
- Industry security audits – identify weak points in supply chain security
Contact us for a free security audit.
6. Retail & eCommerce
Your customers trust you with their payment and delivery details. Are you confident your systems are secure against cyber theft?
Why it’s a target
- These companies have a high volume of credit card transactions and customer data
- Small retailers often lack proper cybersecurity measures
- Those that don’t meet the regulatory compliance requirements for handling this data are at risk
Biggest threats
- Point-of-sale (POS) malware stealing credit card information
- Cloud security and DDoS protection – secure online stores from attack
- Fake web sites and phishing scams targeting shoppers
Solutions – How Can We Help?
- PCI compliance consulting – protect cardholder data
- Cloud security & DDoS protection – secure online stores from attack
- Fraud detection & anti-phishing solutions – block fake login attempts
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