Hidden Vulnerabilities: Cyber Security and Essential Community Services in NSW

A  new report has found community service sector organisations in NSW face significant challenges in protecting their data and IT systems. 

The report from WorkVentures and commissioned by NCOSS, has found this is largely due to limited resources and expertise, the sensitivity of data they hold, and the increasing sophistication and targeted nature of cyber threats.

This is particularly concerning against a backdrop of increasing incidence and sophistication of cybercrime. 

To gain deeper insight into these issues, 14 organisations participated in a detailed cybersecurity assessment conducted by WorkVentures. 

Strikingly, none of the participating organisations met the benchmark for a strong level of cybersecurity preparedness across the four domains that were assessed: operational; legal and regulatory; systems; and network processes and controls. 

The report highlight the pressing need for: 

• Targeted funding for NSW Government-funded community service sector organisations to improve their ability to protect their data and systems 

• A tailored cyber security assessment and uplift program 

• The establishment of a sector-specific national cyber security standard 
• Action by community service organisations to implement foundational cyber security measures, with additional support for more complex challenges
  

		Read the report  This comprehensive report delves into the state of digital security in not-for-profit organisations in Australia. It looks at the risks and implications for the social services sector and opportunities for organisations to effectively safeguard their data. Hidden Vulnerabilities: Cyber Security and Essential Community Services in NSW
		Read the two page summary report The summary report includes five recommendations for state and federal governments and community organisations to improve cyber security across the sector. Read the key findings and recommendations here.

Watch the webinar 

NCOSS collaborated with WorkVentures to deliver sector briefings to outline how social sector organisations can better protect their IT systems and sensitive information they hold. You can watch the webinar below.