Is your business ready—or are you hoping for the best?
The Cyber Security Act 2024, introduced in late 2024, has redefined how Australian businesses must secure their systems, report cyber incidents, and manage digital risks. But now, in 2025, many organisations are still unsure whether they meet the new requirements—or if they’ve done enough.
Falling short isn’t an option. Non-compliance could lead to fines, operational disruptions, reputational damage, and increased exposure to cyber threats.
But compliance isn’t only about avoiding penalties—it strengthens resilience, safeguards your business from attacks, and future-proofs your systems as threats continue to evolve.
This guide breaks down the key requirements and practical steps your business must take in 2025 to stay secure and compliant.
Why cyber security compliance matters
Cyber threats are growing in both scale and sophistication. Businesses managing sensitive data, cloud platforms, or critical infrastructure are especially vulnerable.
To reduce risk, your business is now expected to meet minimum cyber security standards across IT infrastructure, managed security services, and incident response processes.
The requirements are particularly relevant to sectors like finance, healthcare, utilities, and cloud service providers, but businesses in every industry are potential targets. Whether you handle sensitive customer data or rely on outsourced IT providers, you’re now accountable for ensuring your security posture is robust.
Key cyber security compliance requirements
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1. Ransomware payment reporting Is now mandatory
Ransomware remains one of the most disruptive and financially damaging cyber threats to Australian businesses. Attackers encrypt your data and systems, demanding a ransom for their release.
The Cyber Security Act 2024 now requires your business to report any ransom payment within 72 hours.
This rapid reporting ensures authorities can track criminal activity, identify attack patterns, and reduce the broader impact of ransomware across Australian businesses.
What you need to do:
- Report any ransomware payments within 72 hours—delays could worsen your situation.
- Develop a ransomware-specific incident response plan that covers containment, reporting, and recovery.
- Maintain secure offsite backups and disaster recovery plans to avoid ransom payments.
- Strengthen endpoint security and email defences – many ransomware attacks begin with phishing emails.
Businesses that prioritise ransomware readiness can often recover faster and may reduce cyber insurance premiums.
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2. Stricter security standards for IT & cloud infrastructure
Cloud platforms and IT systems underpin your entire business—but they are also prime targets for cyber criminals.
The Cyber Security Act 2024 requires you to strengthen security controls across IT networks, cloud environments, and third-party systems to prevent data breaches and unauthorised access.
This is particularly crucial as hybrid work models evolve and businesses increase their reliance on cloud services and managed IT providers.
What you need to do:
- Ensure cloud platforms meet national security guidelines, including encryption and access controls.
- Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.
- Deploy real-time security monitoring—early detection prevents small breaches from becoming crises.
- Review your cloud and data hosting arrangements—particularly if data is stored overseas.
Taking a proactive approach reduces the likelihood of system downtime and strengthens your business against future regulatory shifts.
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3. Increased cyber incident reporting requirements
When a cyber-attack strikes, every second counts. Under the Cyber Security Act 2024, your business must report significant cyber incidents to the National Cyber Security Coordinator.
Prompt reporting enables authorities to assess the threat, offer support, and help prevent similar attacks on other businesses.
What you need to do:
- Update your incident response plan to cover early threat detection, containment, and rapid reporting.
- Train staff through attack simulations—so they know what to do before a crisis hits.
- Deploy automated monitoring tools to flag suspicious activity early.
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Conduct regular security reviews to ensure you can respond quickly if an attack occurs.
Incident reporting isn’t just about meeting legal obligations—it opens the door to government support and intelligence-sharing that can protect your business during future threats.
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4. Tougher security controls for IoT & smart devices
As Internet of Things (IoT) devices become more embedded in business operations—from security cameras to smart office systems—they also create more entry points for cyber-attacks.
The Act introduces security requirements for connected devices, ensuring poorly secured IoT doesn’t become your business’s weak link.
What you need to do:
- Apply security patches and firmware updates regularly across all devices.
- Use network segmentation to isolate IoT from critical systems—limiting damage if a breach occurs.
- Deploy encryption and enforce authentication standards to block unauthorised access.
- Track all devices—keeping an up-to-date inventory ensures vulnerabilities are addressed quickly.
Businesses that embed IoT security into their broader cyber strategy can unlock the benefits of connected technologies without increasing risk.
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5. Higher accountability for IT providers & Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
Many businesses rely on external providers to manage IT systems or deliver cyber security services.
Under the Cyber Security Act 2024, your business remains responsible for ensuring those providers meet security and compliance standards.
If your MSP or IT vendor falls short, your business is still exposed—potentially facing fines, disruptions, and reputational harm.
What you need to do:
- Review contracts to ensure cyber security responsibilities are clearly defined.
- Verify your providers follow best-practice security frameworks—don’t assume they do.
- Request regular security assessments and compliance updates from your MSP.
- Assess new IT partners carefully before signing—a low-cost provider could cost you more in the long run.
As IT providers play a critical role in business security, choosing a compliant and proactive MSP is essential to mitigate cyber risks and regulatory exposure.
How to ensure your business stays compliant in 2025
Protecting your business under the Cyber Security Act 2024 is an ongoing process—not a one-off task.
Key steps to strengthen cyber security compliance:
- Conduct a cyber security risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities in IT systems.
- Develop a structured cyber incident response plan to meet mandatory reporting obligations.
- Implement security controls for IT infrastructure, cloud services, and business-critical applications.
- Educate employees on cyber security awareness to mitigate social engineering attacks.
- Review third-party IT contracts to ensure compliance obligations are met by external vendors.
- Deploy ongoing cyber security monitoring to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
Compliance can’t wait
The Cyber Security Act 2024 compliance framework has fundamentally changed Australia’s cyber security landscape, making compliance a critical priority for businesses of all sizes.
If your business fails to meet regulatory requirements, you risk fines, legal actions, and increased exposure to cyber threats. By taking a proactive approach to cyber security, you can align with government regulations, protect business operations, and reduce the likelihood of cyber security incidents.
Need expert guidance? Let’s talk.
Navigating compliance can be complex, but The Missing Link can help.
Get in touch today to protect your business and stay secure in 2025 and beyond.
