Protecting your business from ID thieves

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many challenges for small business operators, including a significant escalation in cybersecurity threats.

One of the fastest growing of these threats is identity (ID) crime, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC’s) Scamwatch finding ID theft in Australia increased 234 per cent in 2021.

The scale of the problem is worrying, with a recent survey by the Australian Institute of Criminology finding 19 per cent of respondents had experienced misuse of their personal information.

What identity criminals want

The explosion in ID crime is not just a problem for individuals, it’s a growing headache for businesses. This is due to the increasing amount of personal information they now hold, about their employees, clients and customers.

The ATO has been reminding small businessowners that ID documents are like gold to tax scammers, who can use information such as a driver’s licence, passport and tax file number to steal tax refunds and super.

Cybercriminals can also commit fraud in your name, take over your business and submit amendments to your Business Activity Statements. This makes it vital to protect key information ID thieves target, such as employees’ personal information, business records containing personal information, BAS documents and myGovIDs.

Check your physical records are protected

Worrying about the physical security of your information may seem old-fashioned, but ensuring your business premises and systems are protected is vital.

ID criminals can obtain invaluable business and client details simply by breaking into your premises and photographing business records or employee details.

To combat this, fit physical barriers such as window and door locks, file copies of documents and ID information in lockable storage units, and ensure you install an appropriate alarm system to protect against intruders.

Securing your business online

Strong online security practices are also essential to protect information about your business, employees and clients from ID thieves.

If you hold financial records, confirm the identity of anyone requesting changes to their information and fully verify new payment details. Ensure your employees are trained to identify suspicious requests for personal information, or emails that may link to fake websites built to capture passwords.

It’s also important to secure your email account through multi-factor authentication or a strong, unique passphrase.

Good online security also means changing all the passwords used in the business on a regular basis and ensuring they are not easy for potential thieves to guess. Updated security and anti-virus software needs to be installed on all devices used by the business and by any employees working from home.

When sourcing business software and support (such as payroll services), ask vendors about their system security, including where the data will be stored and their security certification and support services for data breaches.

Reporting cybercrime to the ATO

While your business’s reputation can take a real battering if you don’t have adequate protections for both your own and your clients’ ID information, there are also regulatory requirements when it comes to data breaches.

Businesses have an obligation to report all tax-related security issues to the ATO.

To help you manage your obligations to protect identity information, the ATO has an online security self-assessment questionnaire small businesses can use to check their performance in this area. This can help you identify which online security measures you are getting right as well as potential areas for improvement.

Businesses also have data breach reporting obligations under the Privacy Act. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has helpful tips on how to create a solid data breach response plan.

Protect your myGov ID

The government’s push for more online transactions means more and more personal and business information needs to be protected. If you or a key employee accesses the government’s online services on behalf of your business, you will need a myGovID.

This new digital identity key uses encryption technology to protect your identity when interacting with government agencies online. To strengthen protection of your identity and business information online, you can now set up face verification on myGovID.

If you are aware or suspect your myGovID has been inappropriately accessed, you need to report it immediately.

If you need any assistance setting up your myGovID, please get in touch via email drouin@rgmgroup.com.au or contact us on 03 5120 1400.

Material contained in this publication is a summary only and is based on information believed to be reliable and received from sources within the market. It is not the intention of RGM Financial Planners Pty Ltd ABN 36 419 582 Australian Financial Services Licence Number 229471, RGM Accountants & Advisors Pty Ltd ABN 69 528 723 510 that this publication be used as the primary source of readers’ information but as an adjunct to their own resources and training. No representation is given, warranty made or responsibility taken as to the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of any information or recommendation contained in this publication and RGM and its related bodies corporate will not be liable to the reader in contract or tort (including for negligence) or otherwise for any loss or damage arising as a result of the reader relying on any such information or recommendation (except in so far as any statutory liability cannot be excluded).

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

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Caring for family with a Will

Few of us like to think about death, let alone plan for it. But far from being morbid, getting your affairs in order and drawing up a Will is one of the kindest and most caring things you can do for your loved ones.

Not only does a Will make your wishes clear but it ensures your family isn’t wrestling with legal red tape at a difficult and emotional time.

Yet despite the advantages, it’s estimated 45 per cent of Australians don’t have a Will.i

Who needs a Will?

The short answer is everyone over 18. Even young adults have assets such as super, personal possessions, possibly a vehicle and some savings.

Once you reach an age where you have a partner and children, along with a home and perhaps other investments, the need for a Will becomes even more pressing.

What can be included in a Will?

Generally you can and should set out where you want your physical assets (property, cars, jewellery, furniture and collectibles), financial investments (bonds, shares, bank savings) and sentimental possessions (family heirlooms) to go.

Generally, assets you jointly own, such as a house bought with your partner, pass automatically to your co-owner. But if you own property under what is called a ‘tenancy in common’ you can distribute your share according to your Will.

Because superannuation is held in trust, it’s treated differently to other assets. The trustee of your super fund has the final say on where your money, formally referred to as a ‘death benefit’, ends up unless it is paid to your estate.

If you wish to be certain your death benefit goes to the person you want it to, you should fill out a ‘Binding Death Benefit Nomination’ form and lodge it with your super fund. You can nominate your estate as the beneficiary and your death benefits, including any life insurance, will be distributed according to your Will.

Individual life insurance payouts don’t automatically go through the policyholder’s Will, but if that’s what you would like you can nominate your estate as the beneficiary.

How watertight are Wills?

If you invest the necessary time, effort and expense into producing a well-drafted Will, you can be more confident your wishes will be respected.

The exception to this rule occurs when it can be argued a Will treats a dependant unfairly. Classic examples are a parent leaving more to one child than another or leaving everything to a new partner and excluding children from a previous marriage.

Assets don’t need to be split equally, especially if one dependant has previously received financial assistance, or has dedicated years to caring for you. But be aware a dependant who feels dudded may successfully contest your Will.

What happens when there’s not a Will?

If you die without a valid Will, legally referred to as dying intestate, the relevant state or territory laws will be left to sort things out.

Someone, typically your next-of-kin, will have to apply for a grant of Letters of Administration. An administrator will then be appointed. They will divide your estate according to set formula, which differs slightly in each state but generally goes to your surviving partner and children.

Even in a best-case scenario, dying intestate may mean one or more of your loved ones will have to go through an arduous bureaucratic process during a traumatic time. In a worst-case scenario, a partner, child or friend may receive far less than you would have wished.

What’s next?

There are essentially four conditions a Will needs to meet:

  • It has to be made by someone over 18 who is mentally competent
  • It has to properly dispose of all assets
  • It needs to be signed and witnessed appropriately
  • It needs to be properly drafted.

While DIY ‘Will kits’ may be better than nothing, if you have substantial assets, a complicated family situation, or you just want peace of mind, you’ll want to engage the services of a trusted solicitor.

A Will is just one part of the estate planning process. If you would like to know more, we can assist you in getting the right advice.

i https://www.tag.nsw.gov.au/wills-faqs.html

Material contained in this publication is a summary only and is based on information believed to be reliable and received from sources within the market. It is not the intention of RGM Financial Planners Pty Ltd ABN 36 419 582 Australian Financial Services Licence Number 229471, RGM Accountants & Advisors Pty Ltd ABN 69 528 723 510 that this publication be used as the primary source of readers’ information but as an adjunct to their own resources and training. No representation is given, warranty made or responsibility taken as to the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of any information or recommendation contained in this publication and RGM and its related bodies corporate will not be liable to the reader in contract or tort (including for negligence) or otherwise for any loss or damage arising as a result of the reader relying on any such information or recommendation (except in so far as any statutory liability cannot be excluded).

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

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Future proofing your career with professional development

“The only thing that is constant is change” – so said the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus and it continues to ring true today.

Industries are changing, continuing to evolve in response to challenges (such as the COVID-19 pandemic), technological disruptors and customer expectations. As a result, there is a greater need for the workforce to continue to adapt and develop. We need to be agile to stay on top of these changes, continue developing and learning, which will work towards future proofing our careers.

While some industries have formal professional development programs, there are many ways to foster your own development for those who don’t have formal pathways. Here is how you can take the lead to future proof your career.

Enrol in a course

Some workplaces offer both in-person and online courses, for example LinkedIn Learning, so take advantage of what’s on offer. You can also seek out professional courses relevant to your industry to upskill, keeping you abreast of the changing environment – not to mention that further education is a great additional to your CV as it showcases your engagement within the industry and your proactive approach to your career.

Attend webinars or seminars

While COVID restrictions have halted many in-person seminars, there are plenty of online webinars you can attend, some which are specifically on the topic of future proofing your career. While there are a number of free webinars you can attend, others may be offered by organisations to their members. Paid membership to these organisations be they industry groups, or groups centred around a common goal, can be a worthwhile investment assisting with not only educational sessions but networking opportunities.

Not only are webinars accessible from your office or living room, they tend to be more budget-friendly than seminars. However, seminars offer face-to-face learning and networking opportunities, so they are great to utilise where possible.

Pick up a book or listen to podcasts

It doesn’t get easier than picking up a book to arm yourself with new knowledge. There is a wealth of information out there, some which will be general advice discussing trends and management styles, others that will be tailored to your industry.

If you don’t have much time to read, opt for an audio book to listen to in the car or during exercise. Podcasts are also excellent ways of getting helpful information in a format that is convenient and can be tapped in and out of. As they are regularly created, you’re likely to get more up-to-date information this way.

Enlist the help of a mentor

It’s clear that a mentor can help you stay on top of your industry or explore new opportunities by providing support and guidance. A 2019 survey showed that while 76% of people thought mentors are important, only 37% actually have one.i

The study also found that 61% of mentor-mentee relationships developed naturally, with 25% happening after someone offered to mentor, and 14% when someone asked for a mentor. This means that there’s likely to already be someone in your life who could be your mentor. Think about who is dynamic in facing industry changes and don’t be shy to ask if they’re open to mentoring you.


Join peer groups

An extension of having a mentor, peer groups provide you with the support of others who are also dedicated to professional and personal growth. If you are someone who thrives on peer support, it will be invaluable to be part of a group of people rather than going it alone.

You can give each other feedback, check in on each other’s goals and share helpful experiences and resources such as great books or webinars. This is also a fantastic way to make real-life connections – you might even meet someone who helps you land a new job or open doors to a new industry. Online tools such as Meetup can help you find a group near you and keep an eye on industry meetups as well.

Life is full of change, but rather than feeling overwhelmed, embrace it. By furthering your education, you’ll future proof your career and feel more empowered tackling the changes you face.


i https://online.olivet.edu/research-statistics-on-professional-mentors

Material contained in this publication is a summary only and is based on information believed to be reliable and received from sources within the market. It is not the intention of RGM Financial Planners Pty Ltd ABN 36 419 582 Australian Financial Services Licence Number 229471, RGM Accountants & Advisors Pty Ltd ABN 69 528 723 510 that this publication be used as the primary source of readers’ information but as an adjunct to their own resources and training. No representation is given, warranty made or responsibility taken as to the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of any information or recommendation contained in this publication and RGM and its related bodies corporate will not be liable to the reader in contract or tort (including for negligence) or otherwise for any loss or damage arising as a result of the reader relying on any such information or recommendation (except in so far as any statutory liability cannot be excluded).

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

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