Cybercrime isn’t just a metro problem anymore. Right here in Cairns and throughout Far North Queensland, small and mid-sized businesses are becoming prime targets for cyberattacks — and most don’t even realise it until it’s too late.
At National PC, we’ve seen it first-hand. And that’s why we’ve launched the Cyber Security Cairns Podcast — your weekly dose of practical advice to help your business stay secure.
Here’s what we covered in Episode 1:
Local businesses have lost days (and dollars) due to ransomware locking systems and holding data hostage. All it takes is one click on a fake invoice.
Fix: Immutable cloud backups, endpoint detection, and fast recovery through Empower SHIELD.
Phishing remains the #1 entry point for breaches. With AI-generated emails becoming harder to spot, even the best staff can fall for them.
Fix: Email filtering, phishing simulations, and security awareness training via UserSHIELD.
Most breaches occur because of missed updates and poor maintenance.
Fix: Automated patching and proactive system monitoring through Empower Essential IT.
Not sure where your business stands?
We offer a free Empower Systems Assessment — a 360° review of your IT and cybersecurity health, mapped to the Essential Eight and tailored to Cairns business environments.
Whether you handle your own IT or work with a provider, this audit gives you clarity and action steps you can implement immediately.
Welcome to Cyber Security Cairns — the podcast that helps FNQ businesses stay secure, stay compliant, and stay open for business. I’m Leigh Kefford, founder of National PC, and we break down the real threats facing local businesses and how you can protect your people, your data, and your future.
If you're a business owner in Cairns or anywhere in North Queensland — this one’s for you.
Let’s face it — cybercrime isn’t just a "big city" problem anymore.
Here in Cairns, we’re seeing an increase in targeted attacks on small to mid-sized businesses — particularly in healthcare, tourism, education, and professional services.
The mindset of “we’re too small to be a target” is exactly why hackers love going after regional businesses.
And it's not just about hackers. It's about ransomware locking your systems, phishing emails stealing client data, and compliance risks that could shut you down.
So today, I want to walk you through the 3 biggest cyber threats we’re seeing right now — and more importantly, what you can do about them.
1. Ransomware Attacks
We’ve seen ransomware impact small firms with devastating speed. One local business lost 3 days of revenue after a staff member opened a fake invoice.
Fix: Implement immutable backups and train your team on email awareness. Our Empower SHIELD clients are protected with automatic recovery and endpoint detection.
2. Phishing Emails
Still the #1 entry point. Hackers are getting smarter — using AI to mimic real vendors or even your own staff.
Fix: Multi-factor authentication, phishing simulations, and real-time threat detection are now a must.
3. Poor Patch Management
Outdated systems are an open door for attackers. In 2024 alone, Microsoft patched over 1,000 vulnerabilities.
Fix: Regular, automated patching and monitoring with solutions like our Empower Essential IT service.
At National PC, we believe in proactive cybersecurity — not just waiting for something to go wrong.
That’s why we offer a no-obligation Empower Systems Assessment — it’s a full health check of your IT and security setup, mapped to the Essential Eight and tailored to regional business risks.
Whether you manage your own IT or already have a provider, this assessment can give you clarity and confidence.
If this episode made you think “I’m not sure we’d be ready if something happened…” — you’re not alone. Most businesses aren’t.
Head to nationalpc.com.au/empower to book your free Empower Systems Assessment today.
You’ll get a clear picture of your cyber risk — and the first steps to fix it.
Thanks for tuning in to Cyber Security Cairns. Hit subscribe, and next week we’ll talk about how to spot a phishing email in under 5 seconds — and why your staff need to know how, too.
Stay safe, stay secure — and I’ll see you in the next episode.