Reflections on “Safeguarding the Modern Business” and What’s Next


On November 14th, Holocron Cyber hosted its inaugural “Safeguarding the Modern Business” event, the in-person event was designed to empower Australian businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate today’s cyber security challenges. With passionate speakers, insightful discussions, and actionable takeaways, the event received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees.

This blog provides a deeper dive into the key topics covered during the event and our vision for future initiatives to keep Australian businesses protected in the ever-evolving Cyber Security landscape.

The day commenced with a detailed session of the SMB1001 Small Business Cybersecurity Standard, a multi-tiered Cyber Security certification framework tailored for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

SMB1001 provides a step-by-step guide for organizations to enhance their Cyber Security hygiene, moving from Bronze to Platinum certification. This flexible approach makes it particularly accessible for resource-constrained SMBs, ensuring they can gradually strengthen their defenses.

Key benefits of SMB1001 include:

  • Guided progression: Helps businesses adopt better Cyber Security practices over time.
  • ISO/IEC 27001 alignment: Assists businesses in meeting globally recognized standards for information security.
  • Threat management: Reduces the likelihood and impact of cyber incidents through structured measures.

Achieving the highest SMB1001 tier signifies robust Cyber Security readiness and serves as a critical step toward safeguarding sensitive data and operations. The session resonated deeply with attendees, empowering them with the confidence to begin their journey toward improved cyber hygiene.

The second session provided a deep dive into the evolving cyber threat landscape, with a specific focus on the vulnerabilities faced by SMBs and the growing role of AI in cybercrime.

Increased Vulnerability of SMBs

Small and medium enterprises often lack robust cyber security measures, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. With sensitive data and financial resources at stake, these businesses face heightened risks from attackers seeking easy entry points.

Evolving Attack Strategies

Cybercriminals are adopting increasingly sophisticated techniques tailored to exploit SMB vulnerabilities. Notable examples include ransomware and phishing attacks, which can lead to significant operational disruptions.

Financial Implications of Attacks

The financial consequences of cybercrime on SMBs can be devastating. Costs often include ransom paymentsrecovery expenses, and loss of customer trust, all of which jeopardize long-term business viability.

AI: A Double-Edged Sword

AI has become both a threat and an opportunity:

  • Cybercriminals are leveraging AI to automate and optimise attacks, launching highly targeted phishing campaigns and creating realistic deepfake impersonations.
  • Conversely, businesses can adopt AI-powered tools for proactive threat detection, vulnerability management, and improving overall security efficiency.

This session highlighted the pressing need for SMBs to adopt advanced cyber security measures to counteract these emerging threats while harnessing AI’s potential for defense. It also emphasized the importance of ethical AI practices to ensure businesses thrive in a technology-driven world.

The final presentation focused on strategies for building long-term cyber resilience in 2024 and beyond. Attendees learned practical steps, including:

  • Fostering a culture of cyber security awareness: Empowering employees to identify and respond to threats.
  • Investing in AI-driven tools: Enhancing detection, prevention, and response capabilities.
  • Developing a cyber incident response plan: Ensuring swift recovery from attacks with minimal disruption.

The session provided actionable insights that businesses could immediately implement, reinforcing the importance of taking a proactive stance in cyber security planning.

The panel discussion and Q&A session was one of the most engaging and impactful parts of the day. What made it successful was the active participation from the audience. Attendees asked challenging and thought-provoking questions to the panel, sparking meaningful conversations which in turn provided in-depth responses.

Each speaker took time to answer questions individually, contributing their specific expertise and providing tailored insights to address different facets of the issues raised. This collaborative approach fostered an open and inclusive environment, where participants felt encouraged to explore complex scenarios and seek practical advice.

The sense of openness and transparency during the Q&A session allowed for candid discussions, leaving attendees with a better understanding of how to tackle their unique cyber security challenges.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the event for its educational focus, practical content, and the genuine passion of the speakers. Many participants expressed enthusiasm for implementing what they learned and a desire to attend similar events in the future.

Given the success, we’re excited to announce that 2025 will see additional events covering unique and relevant topics. These sessions will continue to focus on education, actionable strategies, and fostering a community of businesses dedicated to improving Cyber Security.

As we look forward, here’s a preview of the topics we’re considering for future events:

  • Advanced AI-driven tools for SMBs.
  • Compliance strategies for Australian Cyber Security regulations.
  • Hands-on workshops for building stronger security systems.

We’d love to hear your input! If you have suggestions for topics, speakers, or formats, feel free to reach out.

As a thank-you for attending “Safeguarding the Modern Business,” we’re excited to extend two exclusive offers to help you take the next steps in improving your cybersecurity posture:

  1. 35% Off SMB1001 CyberCert Certification
    Courtesy of Ryan Ko, this significant discount provides an excellent opportunity to begin your journey toward SMB1001 certification. It’s a perfect way to enhance your organization’s cybersecurity hygiene and progress toward achieving globally recognized standards like ISO/IEC 27001.
  2. Free 30-Minute Cybersecurity Consultation
    We’re offering a complimentary consultation for your business to assess your current cybersecurity practices and provide actionable recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

How to Redeem These Offers:

These offers are only available for a limited time, so don’t miss this chance to bolster your business’s defenses against cyber threats!

Cyber Security is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for businesses of all sizes. Events such as “Safeguarding the Modern Business” aim to equip organizations with the knowledge and tools they need to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Stay tuned for updates on our next event, and join us in our mission to make Australian businesses more secure, resilient, and prepared for the future.

Stay secure, stay informed

How well do you know the security of your business? Take this free quiz to find out:


Important Links:
Holocron Cyber
vCISO – Service
Information Security Assessment
SMB1001

Talk to a cyber security expert today and secure your systems & data

Talk to one of our leading cyber security experts today, about how we can help you mitigate threats and safeguard your business.

30 min. consult with a trusted security expert

Book a Consultation

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Download your FREE Cyber Security Checklist Today!

We’ll send you a copy of our Cyber Security checklist and help take the stress out of protecting your business’s digital assets.  

Read our privacy policy         

Under Attack?

If you require immediate assistance for a cyber incident or data breach which your business has suffered please provide as much detail below  and we will make contact with you ASAP.

Our experienced team of specialists will be able to provide peace of mind and practical assistance to ensure the situation can be responded to and contained swiftly. All matters will be treated confidentially and in a compliant manner.