Small tourism businesses across Queensland will have access to free cyber security training through a new program designed to help operators protect booking systems, customer data and business finances from online crime.
The Cyber Wardens training, tailored for the tourism sector, is being rolled out as part of the Queensland Government’s Small and Family Business First Action Statement. The initiative arrives ahead of a busy summer period and follows a similar program recently launched for the construction industry.
Government figures show small businesses account for 43 per cent of cybercrime incidents in Australia, with the average cost of an attack rising to more than $56,000 this financial year. Tourism operators say they are feeling the pressure, particularly as cyber criminals become more sophisticated and staffing pressures make it harder to monitor digital risks.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the aim is to give operators practical skills that help them stay ahead of threats. He said the program supports business owners and staff to recognise scams, protect bookings and reduce financial exposure.
Minister for Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said there are more than 65,000 tourism-related businesses across the state, many of them family-run and employing fewer than 20 people. He described cyber safety as essential for an industry contributing more than $100 million per day to Queensland’s visitor economy.
COSBOA Chair Matthew Addison welcomed the partnership and said cyber resilience is becoming as important as physical safety measures for tourism experiences. He noted that most attacks stem from simple mistakes that can be prevented with better awareness.
Cyber Wardens is a national initiative funded by the Australian Government and delivered by COSBOA. The Queensland Government says the training will help strengthen small business capacity as part of broader plans to support more than 120,000 additional businesses over the next seven years.
The rollout has drawn political contrast as the government says a previously promised program was not delivered under Labor. Opposition representatives have yet to comment publicly on whether they support the new approach or plan to expand it further, though industry groups have repeatedly called for bipartisan support on cyber protection measures.
A free 30-minute webinar on 25 November will guide tourism operators through common cyber threats, financial red flags and everyday habits that can reduce risk. The training is open to owners and staff, reflecting research suggesting human error is involved in the overwhelming majority of cyber incidents.
With four in five small businesses reporting cybercrime exposure in the past year, industry advocates say practical education is becoming critical to maintaining customer confidence, avoiding disruption and protecting local jobs.
Registrations are now open here .
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