Small businesses affected by cyber incidents will be able to access help for free by the end of the year.
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The $11.1 million small business cyber resilience service will offer free, one-on-one assistance to small business owners to help them recover from and build resilience against cyber attacks.
The federal government has appointed IDCARE, a not-for-profit advisory group, to run the service.
Minister for Small Business Julie Collins said a cyber incident can cost a small business $46,000, on average.
"That is why the Albanese Labor government is investing in critical new supports to help small businesses harness the opportunities of digital technology and keep them safe while doing so," she said.
Small businesses an 'attractive target'
Queensland-based IDCARE was established in 2014 by David Lacey, a former executive director of the Australian Crime Commission.
The advisory service found itself on the frontline during the Optus data breach, fielding thousands of identity theft inquiries from the public.
Dr Lacey said small businesses were an "attractive target" for cyber criminals because many owners were juggling multiple priorities and struggled to stay ahead of their security needs.
"Cyber incidents come out of left field and cause major disruptions," he said.
"We know many small businesses struggle to recover."
IDCARE can help those businesses understand how to respond to a cyber incident and protect themselves in the future, Dr Lacey said.
The federal government committed to establishing a small business cyber resilience service in 2023 as part of its $600 million cyber strategy.
Of the investment, $60 million is dedicated to helping small businesses boost their cyber capabilities.
Other initiatives include a cyber wardens program that offers free training to businesses and a voluntary cyber "health check" program.
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Minister for Cyber Security Tony Burke said the government was committed to working with businesses of all sizes when it came to cyber security.
"We've made our objective clear - we will be a world-leader in cyber security by 2030, and small business is critical to that effort," he said.
