Firms warned of cyber risk to virus plans

As more Australians are being forced to work from home in an attempt to curb the spread of the coronavirus, businesses are being asked to check their technology is up to date to prevent cyber attacks.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre, part of the Australian Signals Directorate, is encouraging Australians to remain vigilant and ensure sound cyber security practices.

"As more staff may work from home and use remote access technology increases, adversaries may attempt to take advantage," the centre says on its website.

It advises businesses to ensure there systems and firewalls are up to date with the most recent security patches and to test their remote access technologies ahead of time.

Work devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, should also be checked to ensure they are secure, while staff should be informed and educated in cyber security practices.

Among its list of advice, it also asks firms to ensure staff working from home have physical security measures in place.

"This minimises the risk that information may be accessed, used, modified or removed from the premises without authorisation," it says.