Geopolitical conflict can feel distant, but its cyber impact is immediate. Recent tensions involving Iran have put organisations around the world on higher alert for cyber activity. Security experts warn that global conflict can trigger a rise in online attacks, including attempts to steal passwords, disrupt systems and exploit weak security settings.

In Australia, the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre has also warned that Iranian cyber actors have used tactics such as compromised credentials and repeated login attempts to access organisations.

For Australian SMEs, the message is clear: even if your business is not directly connected to global events, you can still be exposed. As Minister for Cyber Security, Tony Burke has said, “When it comes to cyber security, we need to be strong no matter how large or small the business is.”

That is why regular cyber reviews are critical. They help businesses step back, assess what is working, and fix what is not before a problem becomes a crisis. A good review looks at the basics, email security, multi-factor authentication, software updates, backups, staff awareness and who has access to key systems.

 

How global conflict is increasing cyber risk

Global tensions, including the conflict in Iran, have elevated cyber risk across financial services and other critical sectors. US institutions have moved to high alert amid concerns of retaliatory cyber activity, and analysts warn that malicious targeting of Western commercial entities is possible.

In Australia, experts assess that the threat level has heightened across financial services, energy, water, defence and government agencies. The Australian Signals Directorate continues to advise all organisations to strengthen core cyber hygiene and ensure essential controls are fully in place.