Australia’s first federal inquiry focused on cybersecurity challenges facing SMEs is seeking input from business owners, as it examines whether they have the resources and support to withstand attacks.

The House of Representatives Select Committee on Cyber Security for Small to Medium Sized Businesses and Organisations’ stakeholder survey is asking about experiences with cyber incidents, the cost of security measures, and the accessibility of advice and support.

Committee chair Sally Sitou said: “Small businesses are on the front line of cyber risk but too often they’re expected to defend themselves without the time, tools or resources they need.

“We want to work directly with them to understand the threats they’re up against and how we can better protect them.”

The committee is also seeking input from cybersecurity and technology experts. Issues to be examined by the inquiry, which began in July, include:

• Cyber maturity of Australian SMEs and non-profits
• Adequacy of government guidance
• Whether appropriate cybersecurity standards exist
• How easily businesses can obtain cybersecurity services
• The role of employee training

The committee’s terms of reference do not identify cyber insurance or the role of insurers as an area of inquiry.

Interested parties can complete the survey until January 29, but written submissions addressing the inquiry's terms of reference close on August 28.

The survey and submission details are available here.