How to learn cyber security: A guide for beginners

The average cyber attack now costs Australian businesses over $45,000, according to the latest national figures. From phishing emails to ransomware, the risks are no longer distant or rare; they’re part of the everyday landscape of running a modern business.

This may sound worrying, but the good news is that you don’t need a technical background to take charge of your cyber security. With the right knowledge and a few simple habits, you can make a real difference in safeguarding your business and the people behind it.

We’ve put this guide together to show you how to learn cyber security from the ground up, in plain English. Keep reading and you’ll quickly discover practical steps to build stronger defences, explore trusted resources to deepen your knowledge, and learn when it’s time to call in the experts.

Cyber security basics: Where to start

Let’s start with the big question — what actually is cyber security?

To put it simply, cyber security is all about keeping your business safe online. It means protecting your systems, networks and data from anyone who shouldn’t have access to them. And while the term can sound technical, the foundations are straightforward.

Cyber security is built on three key ideas, which are often called the CIA Triad. (But don’t worry, it’s not as secret agent as it sounds.) Here’s what it means:

• Confidentiality: Only authorised personnel should have access to sensitive information.
• Integrity: Your data should stay accurate and unchanged, whether it’s a client record or a financial report.
• Availability: Your systems and files should be there when you need them most, especially during busy or critical times.

Everything in cyber security, from simple password protection to advanced monitoring, ties back to these three principles.

Understanding the threats you’re up against

Before you can strengthen your defences, it helps to know what you’re defending against. Cyber threats come in all shapes and sizes, but a few common ones tend to target Australian businesses time and again. These are:

• Phishing emails: Those sneaky messages that look legitimate but are designed to trick staff into sharing passwords or clicking dangerous links.
• Ransomware: Malicious software that locks your files and demands payment to release them.
• Insider threats: Mistakes or misuse from people inside your organisation. This is often accidental, but sometimes intentional.
• Unpatched systems: Outdated software that hasn’t been updated, leaving known vulnerabilities wide open.

These aren’t distant, ‘big business’ problems. They affect real organisations every day, from healthcare providers who rely on patient data to professional services firms protecting client records.

Practical tips on how to learn cyber security and build stronger everyday defences

There’s no better way to learn cyber security than by doing cyber security. You don’t need to be a tech expert or spend your weekends learning to code. Small, everyday habits can make a big difference.

Think of it like learning to lock the doors and close the windows before leaving your house. Over time, these good habits become second nature. Here are some simple, practical ways to start strengthening your cyber defences today:

   1. Strengthen your passwords (and back them up with MFA)

If there’s one thing every cyber expert agrees on, it’s this: weak passwords are like leaving the key under the doormat.

Encourage everyone in your business to use long, unique passphrases instead of short, predictable ones. A phrase like ‘CoffeeAt7amEveryday!’ is much stronger than a single word with numbers at the end.

Then, take it one step further with multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra checkpoint, such as a code sent to your mobile, before access is granted. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to stop hackers in their tracks.

    2. Learn to spot phishing attacks

Phishing scams are getting smarter. And even the savviest professionals can be caught off guard. These are the emails or text messages that look like they’re from a trusted source, such as your bank, a supplier or even a co-worker.

They often sound convincing and urgent, asking you to act quickly or verify something important. They rely on catching you off guard, which is why learning to spot them is one of the easiest ways to protect your business.

The best defence against phishing emails? A moment’s pause. If something feels off, it probably is. Check the sender’s address, look for spelling errors, and never click on unexpected attachments. When in doubt, ask your IT team or the supposed sender directly.

Curious about what’s real and what’s just cyber scare tactics? Take a look at our blog, Debunking Common Cyber Security Myths, where we unpack the biggest misconceptions and how to protect your business from them. Or see how phishing scams really work, watch our short explainer video to learn how to spot the warning signs and keep your business secure.

   3. Keep your systems up-to-date

We all get those ‘update available’ reminders, and it’s always tempting to click ‘remind me later’. But the reality is, cyber attackers count on that hesitation.

Updating your systems and software patches security gaps before criminals can exploit them. Set up automatic updates wherever possible or schedule a regular ‘update day’ across your business to make sure everyone’s systems stay current.

If staying on top of updates feels like a constant chore, that’s where a Managed IT Services provider like ADITS can take the pressure off. We handle patching and maintenance automatically, so your systems are always protected and performing at their best. That means no interruptions to your day, and no chance of an important update slipping through the cracks.

  4. Back up your data (and test it often)

You can think of backups as the safety net for your data, there to keep your business steady if the unexpected strikes. If your systems are ever hit by ransomware, for example, or a major crash, having clean, up-to-date copies of your data means you can get back up and running quickly.

However, it’s often not enough just to have backups. They need to be securely stored (preferably off-site or in the cloud) and tested regularly to make sure they actually work when you need them. There’s no gut-wrenching feeling quite like discovering your ‘backup’ can’t be restored.

  5. Protect your devices and networks

Every device that connects to your business network, from laptops and phones to printers, can be a potential doorway for attackers. Installing endpoint protection software and firewalls helps keep those doors securely closed.

You don’t need to understand all the technical details. The goal is straightforward. Protect every connection point, monitor for unusual activity, and fix small issues before they grow. Managed IT services can help here too, with continuous monitoring that catches threats early.

  6. Build a workplace culture of security awareness

Even with the best technology in place, your people make the biggest difference. When staff are confident in spotting risks, your whole business becomes safer.

Talk about cyber safety often. Not as a one-off training session, but as an ongoing part of your workplace culture. Encourage staff to share suspicious emails, ask questions, and celebrate when they spot potential risks.

Think of it like this: when security becomes everyone’s responsibility, it stops being a box to tick and starts being a source of confidence across your whole organisation.

To help make these conversations easier, watch our short video on building a cyber-aware workplace. It’s a simple guide you can share with your team to strengthen everyday security habits and keep everyone alert to potential threats.

Next steps to deepen your understanding of cyber security

You’ve got the basics covered. You’re building stronger passwords, staying alert to scams, and keeping your systems up-to-date. That’s a great foundation!

The next step is about deepening your understanding. Because the more you know about cyber security, the more empowered you become to make smart, confident decisions for your business. 

The comforting news is that you don’t have to figure it all out alone. There’s a wealth of trusted, beginner-friendly resources that make learning easy and practical. So let’s explore some of these to take your understanding to the next level:

  1. Explore reputable Australian resources

Start close to home. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is one of the best places to begin. Their Essential Eight framework outlines clear, achievable steps for improving security. What makes it a fantastic resource for beginners is that you won’t find any technical jargon. Just practical guidance that any business can follow.

Another useful source is Cyber.gov.au’s Stay Smart Online platform, which shares regular alerts and straightforward tips to help individuals and organisations stay ahead of new scams.

And of course, the ADITS Cyber Security Blog Series is here to help too. We’ve written dozens of plain-English guides tailored for business leaders, covering everything from cyber myths to breach prevention.

  2. Take short, practical online courses

If you prefer learning by doing, ADITS’s Human Risk Management platform makes it easy to build cyber confidence across your business. The platform provides a full suite of tools designed to reduce human error, which is a key factor in most data breaches, and strengthen your team’s resilience to phishing attacks.

Through the HRM platform, your staff can:

• Complete engaging, personalised training courses and videos, each with built-in quizzes to track progress and performance.
• Participate in automated phishing simulations to test and improve awareness of suspicious emails.
• Monitor for compromised credentials on the dark web, helping your team understand potential threats before they escalate.
• Access simplified policy management, including ready-made templates and automated reminders to keep everyone up-to-date on security protocols.

Even dedicating an hour or two each month can make a noticeable difference. Over time, these practical, ongoing modules help your team spot risks early, act decisively, and build a culture of cyber awareness and accountability.

  3. Face-to-face training for executives and board members

For leadership teams, understanding cyber risk is about more than policies. It’s about strategic decision-making. ADITS offers tailored, face-to-face training sessions for executives and board members, designed to strengthen awareness, improve incident response, and embed a culture of cyber security from the top down.

These sessions provide practical guidance on:

• Recognising emerging threats and prioritising risk mitigation
• Making informed decisions during security incidents
• Ensuring organisational resilience and compliance with standards like ISO 27001 and SMB1001

Delivered in an interactive, scenario-based format, this training complements the ADITS Human Risk Management platform. It gives leaders the confidence to protect their business and guide their teams effectively.

   4. Learn through real examples and simulations

Nothing builds confidence like hands-on experience. With ADITS’s Human Risk Management tools, you can run phishing simulations to see how your staff respond to suspicious emails, monitor for compromised credentials on the dark web, and manage internal security policies from one central platform.

For executive teams and board members, ADITS also offers face-to-face cyber security training sessions designed to strengthen leadership awareness and decision-making during incidents. 

These practical, guided exercises do more than test your defences; they build a culture of awareness, accountability, and teamwork across every level of your organisation.

   5. Pursue recognised certifications

If you’re keen to formalise your learning, entry-level certifications are a great way to do it. Courses like CompTIA Security+, Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), or ISO 27001 Foundations introduce universal security principles and frameworks that can be applied to any industry.

At ADITS, our CyberShield solution is built around the SMB1001 certification, ensuring that our approach aligns with proven small business security standards and best practices.

  6. Keep your knowledge current

Cyber threats evolve quickly, and staying informed is half the battle. Subscribe to newsletters from the ACSC, your industry body, or a trusted Managed IT partner like ADITS to receive timely alerts about emerging threats, software vulnerabilities and new best practices.

Regular updates keep your knowledge fresh. And they remind you that cyber security isn’t a one-time project, but an ongoing habit that grows with your business.

How to know when it’s time for expert IT support

At this point, you’ve got the essentials covered. Your team’s more aware, your systems are stronger, and you’re turning security awareness into everyday practice. But as your business grows and your systems become more complex, there comes a time when learning on your own can only take you so far.

And this is exactly the point where a trusted cyber security solutions expert can turn smart habits into a seriously resilient defence. Partnering with a trusted IT provider gives you access to specialist tools, experience, and constant monitoring that go beyond what most businesses can manage internally.

So, when is it time to call in the experts?

 

  1. You handle sensitive or regulated data

If your business manages personal, financial or medical information, you’re operating under strict compliance requirements. 

Healthcare providers, schools, financial firms and non-profits all have a duty to protect data from unauthorised access. A professional IT partner helps you meet these obligations with the right safeguards and reporting in place.

  2. You’ve had a close call (or an actual breach)

Maybe you’ve experienced a phishing attack or noticed suspicious activity on your network. Even if nothing major happened, these moments are warning signs. Expert support ensures any gaps are closed before something more serious occurs.

  3. You’re struggling to keep up with updates or regulations

Keeping pace with technology is one thing. Keeping up with the rules that come with it is another. Between software updates, system patches and constantly changing data protection standards, it’s easy for something to slip through the cracks.

While it might seem like neglect, for many businesses it’s just the reality of a busy schedule. But unfortunately, when updates or compliance checks get delayed, so does your protection.

That’s where a Managed IT Services provider like ADITS can make life simpler for you. We don’t just install updates. We make sure your entire IT environment stays secure and compliant. From automated patching to monitoring for new regulatory changes, we take care of the details in the background.

  4. You don’t have a dedicated IT or security team

For many smaller businesses, IT and cyber security aren’t handled by a dedicated specialist. Instead, they’re often managed by someone who’s already juggling too many responsibilities. And while that works for a while, the demands eventually outgrow what one person can realistically handle.

That’s where partnering with a managed IT provider can really change things for the better. And with ADITS, you gain access to a whole team of experienced specialists, from network engineers to cyber security analysts, all focused on keeping your systems secure and stable. 

It’s like having your very own IT department—just without the overheads and staffing problems.

  5. You need round-the-clock protection

Cyber criminals don’t clock off at five, which means your security can’t afford to either. Threats can appear at any time, whether it’s a phishing email on a Sunday morning or a ransomware attempt in the middle of the night.

If your systems aren’t being monitored 24/7, a small issue that happens after hours could quickly escalate into something much bigger by the time your team logs back in.

This is where continuous monitoring steps in to keep watch when you can’t. With ADITS’ managed cyber security services, your systems are watched around the clock by security experts and intelligent detection tools.

We spot unusual activity early, isolate potential threats, and take action before they cause downtime or data loss. This enables your business to stay protected, even while you sleep.

Partner with ADITS to protect your business for the future

Cyber security isn’t a one-time project. It’s an ongoing commitment to protecting what matters most. That is, your people, your data and your reputation.

You’ve already taken the right first step by learning the basics, building awareness, and knowing when it’s time to call in expert help. Now it’s about turning that knowledge into long-term confidence.

At ADITS, we make that easy. Our managed IT and cyber security services are designed to keep your systems protected, compliant and performing at their best — whether you’re in Brisbane, Townsville, or anywhere across Queensland.

Whether you’re ready to strengthen your defences, assess your current setup, or simply talk through your next steps, our team is here to help. So, talk to our expert team today about how ADITS can help secure your business for the future.