Why Cybercriminals Target Cairns Businesses
In this episode of the Cyber Security Cairns Podcast, Leigh Kefford unpacks why cybercriminals are turning their attention to regional businesses in North Queensland. From phishing scams and ransomware attacks to weak passwords and old accounts — the threat is growing. The good news? Simple steps can make a huge difference.
Key Takeaways
- Cybercriminals increasingly target regional businesses with limited internal IT support.
- Phishing and ransomware remain the top threats.
- Human error — not technology — is still the leading cause of breaches.
- Enable multi-factor authentication and keep systems patched.
- Train staff regularly and have a documented incident response plan.
Transcript
Cairns might be known for its reef and relaxed lifestyle, but when it comes to cyber security — there’s nothing laid-back about what’s happening right now. Local businesses are facing an invisible threat that doesn’t care if you’re a tradie, a tourism operator, or a professional service firm. The reality is simple: cybercriminals are targeting regional areas because they see an easier way in. Welcome to the Cyber Security Cairns Podcast. I’m Leigh Kefford—let’s dive in.
Over the past few months, we’ve seen a steady rise in local incidents — everything from stolen email logins to entire systems locked by ransomware. In one case, a small business owner lost access to their accounting files after an employee clicked a fake invoice email. They thought it was a supplier. Within hours, every document was encrypted, and the attacker demanded thousands in Bitcoin. This wasn’t a big corporate breach. It was a small family business right here in North Queensland.
And that’s the scary part — cybercrime isn’t just happening to the big guys anymore. Attackers know regional businesses often don’t have the same resources or in-house IT teams. They rely on trust, familiarity, and quick communication. That makes them perfect targets for social engineering.
So how do these attacks actually happen? Most start with something small — a link, an attachment, or a phone call that seems routine. Phishing remains the number one entry point. Then there’s weak passwords, out-of-date systems, or old user accounts that were never disabled. Once inside, the attacker can move quietly through your systems, often for weeks, before launching the real attack.
But here’s the good news — you can take simple steps today that make a massive difference. Start by enabling multi-factor authentication on every account you can. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to stop attackers in their tracks. Next, make sure every device and system is patched and up to date — no exceptions. And don’t forget about your backups. A backup isn’t worth much if you’ve never tested it.
Training is also key. Most cyber incidents start with human error, so make sure your team knows how to spot suspicious emails, links, or login prompts. Run a quick internal exercise or ask your IT provider to simulate a phishing campaign. You’ll be surprised how many people fall for the bait — but that’s where real learning happens.
Finally, have a plan for when things go wrong. Who do you call? How do you communicate with staff and clients if your email is down? Having a written incident response plan can turn a disaster into a controlled recovery. It doesn’t have to be fancy — it just needs to exist, and everyone should know where to find it.
Cyber security isn’t about fear — it’s about preparation. Businesses that plan ahead recover faster, lose less, and build stronger trust with their customers. And that’s what we’re here for — to help local businesses across Cairns and North Queensland protect what matters most.
That’s all for today’s episode of the Cyber Security Cairns Podcast. Want more practical cyber advice? Head to sittingduck.com.au for resources and real-world updates. Thinking about your business security? Book your free Empower Systems Assessment at nationalpc.com.au/empower to find out where your gaps are and how to close them. Until next time — stay safe, stay smart, and stay secure.
This podcast is produced by National PC — delivering expert cybersecurity and managed IT services for Cairns and Townsville businesses through our Empower Managed IT solutions. Simple. Secure. Human.
