Small Business (SMB) stories

New Zealand cyber agency emails 26,000 people in first mass alert over Lumma Stealer malware infecting Windows devices nationwide.

Swann taps AWS generative AI so its security cameras only ping for user-defined events, slashing false alerts and notification overload.

Australian SMEs step up a campaign against the RBA’s proposed blanket ban on card surcharges, warning it will lift prices for all shoppers.

Proofpoint completes USD $1.8bn Hornetsecurity takeover, bolstering its European footprint and push into MSPs and smaller businesses.

Six UK cyber startups join a new state-backed scheme to defend critical infrastructure as severe attacks on key services jump 50% in a year.

Australian mid-sized firms warned they face rising cyber risk as a lack of senior security leadership leaves core threats unchecked.

Canada and Germany launch a Digital Alliance to deepen ties on AI, quantum tech and digital infrastructure, targeting higher productivity.

New Zealand’s AI productivity promise will falter unless firms simplify systems, curb shadow AI and strengthen cybersecurity foundations.

Xero launches global beta of JAX-powered bank reconciliation, promising to auto-match over 80% of statement lines in real time.

Canon has broadened its imageFORCE line in Australia, adding new A3 and compact A4 printers aimed at evolving hybrid office needs.

Synology bundles three-year Acronis True Image Essentials licences with every Bee series device, adding full-system backup and ransomware defence.

Digimune and MY CYBER GUARD have teamed up to launch an Australian identity protection service for households and small businesses.

Cyber-extortion incidents rose 44.5% to 19,000 victims, with small firms targeted most amid a fragmented, global cybercrime landscape, warns Orange Cyberdefense.

Hyvä has made its Magento front-end solution free and open source, aiming to help smaller retailers worldwide access advanced eCommerce technology.

CommBank launches a national programme to boost AI and cybersecurity skills for over one million Australian small businesses, aiming to enhance productivity and resilience.

QuickBooks Payments launches in the UK to help SMBs cut late invoices, aiming to tackle a GBP £2.5 billion annual payment delay problem.

Brevo has raised EUR €500 million, reaching unicorn status to boost AI capabilities and expand its US presence, targeting EUR €1 billion revenue by 2030.

Australia unveils a National AI Plan, investing AUD $29.9m in safety and AUD $460m in programs to boost skills, industry adoption, and workforce confidence.

Australia's National AI and Data Centre Plan sparks calls for enforceable energy standards amid rising power demands and concerns for small businesses.

Australian firms face a rising cyber threat as AI and expanding digital footprints fuel ransomware attacks, with risks expected to surge up to 40% in 2024.