NAB to offer free cyber security for SMBs

NAB has announced it will now offer one year of complimentary cyber security software to small businesses via its latest partnership with CrowdStrike.

The new partnership will see users gain access to CrowdStrike Falcon Go, an AI-powered cybersecurity protection designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). 

NAB said it's urging businesses to evaluate and invest in security as research finds small businesses are one of the least cyber-prepared sectors.

At the start of the year, the major bank created a free cyber assessment tool following findings only 15 percent of SMEs hold wide-ranging scams and cyber risk training. 

Now, the bank said it’s been developing customer protection by granting eligible SMB access to CrowdStrike Falcon Go, which includes antivirus (NGAV) and device control for USB device protection.

NAB chief security officer Sandro Bucchianeri said, “The number of cyber-attacks continues to grow year-on-year,”

“It’s worrying that small and medium businesses – which make up 97 percent of all Australian businesses – are one of the least cyber-prepared sectors,” Bucchianeri said.

“It can take businesses years to recover from a cyber-attack due to their cost and complexity. By working with CrowdStrike, we are looking to connect and educate businesses, so they can help stop attacks before they stop business,” Bucchianeri added.

Digital Nation the new move falls inline NAB's other initiatives including webinars and a free cyber security assessment in partnership with Microsoft.

Bucchianeri said, “The government’s cyber security strategy rightly places small businesses at the centre of its efforts, and we’re determined to help lead a collective effort to shift small businesses from one of the least prepared sectors in the country, to the most capable and resilient community group."

The CrowdStrike Falcon Go is accessible now for NAB small business customers (up to 150 devices) to apply via the NAB app, Internet Banking, or by speaking to a NAB banker.