Antivirus for Small Business: Why Keeping Your Computer Safe Matters

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Your computer holds more tax information than you might think. It has past returns, BAS workings, staff TFNs, bank statements and your myGov login. That’s why antivirus for small business is not just an IT extra. Instead, it’s part of keeping your tax affairs safe.

In this guide, we look at the threats facing cafes, retailers, salons, health practitioners, consultants, online sellers, landlords and sole traders. Then we show how Surfshark Antivirus can add a layer of protection.

What’s at risk without antivirus for small business

Think about what’s saved on your laptop right now. For most owners, it includes:

• tax returns and BAS records from past years
• tax file numbers (TFNs) for you and your staff
• bank details for suppliers and employees
• logins for myGov, the bank and your accounting software.

On top of that, you need to keep most tax records for five years. Our guide to keeping accurate business records explains what to keep. So, losing those files, or having them stolen, can cause real trouble.

Malware and ransomware: why antivirus for small business matters

Malware is harmful software that can spy on you, steal passwords or damage files. Ransomware is a type of malware that locks your files and demands payment to unlock them.

Small businesses are attractive targets because they often have fewer defences. The Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Small Business Cyber Security Handbook recommends three starting steps: turn on multi-factor authentication, keep software up to date and back up regularly. Antivirus for small business then sits alongside those habits. In short, it watches for threats while you work.

ATO and myGov scams target your logins

Scammers love to pretend they’re the ATO or myGov. Scamwatch warns that they send fake emails, texts and calls, and build fake websites that look real. Their goal is to steal your myGov sign-in details and commit fraud in your name.

According to Scamwatch’s alert on ATO and myGov impersonation scams, the warning signs include:

• an unexpected message with a link that claims to be from the ATO
• links asking you to sign in to myGov
• pressure to act now
• a sender address that doesn’t end in .gov.au.

So, stop and check before you click. Don’t use the links or numbers in the message. Instead, contact the ATO through its official website or app, or call 1800 008 540.

Also, remember that a fake link can lead to a harmful download. That’s where antivirus for small business helps, because it can catch a bad file before it runs.

How Surfshark Antivirus helps protect your computer

Here’s what Surfshark lists for its antivirus on its website:

• Real-time scanning. It checks apps and files as you download, install and use them.
• Frequent updates. Its threat database updates every 3 hours, and Cloud Protect scans for brand-new threats.
• Webcam protection. It alerts you if an app or website tries to use your webcam.
• Flexible scans. You can schedule full or quick scans, and exclude files you trust.
• Light on your device. Surfshark says it won’t slow down your computer.

It also works on Windows 10 and later, macOS Big Sur and later, and 64-bit Android 10 and later. It covers up to 5 devices.

Importantly, Surfshark Antivirus isn’t sold on its own. It comes in the Surfshark One bundle, which also includes the Surfshark VPN, Alert for data leak warnings and Alternative ID. As a result, you get device and connection protection under one account.

Habits that make antivirus for small business work

Antivirus works best as part of a routine. First, turn on automatic updates. Next, use MFA on myGov, email and your bank. Then, back up your tax records and test that you can restore them. Finally, never share your myID, even with your bookkeeper or a family member.

For more steps, see the Business Ninjas small business cyber security guide.

Get started with Surfshark Antivirus

Ready to protect your computer? Sign up through our Surfshark Antivirus link, then install the app on each work computer. Check the current plans on Surfshark’s site first.

How BN Tax can help

BN Tax prepares tax returns and BAS for small businesses Australia-wide, 100% online, from Brisbane’s northside to anywhere in the country. If you’re behind, read our guide to the 31 October tax deadline. Meanwhile, our sister business BN Books keeps your bookkeeping tidy, including for businesses in Aspley.

Got a question about your tax? Contact BN Tax today.

This article is general information only, not IT, financial or tax advice. Product features can change, so check Surfshark’s website before you sign up.