Small and medium businesses across Australia are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, with 60% of cyber attacks now focused on SMBs due to their perceived vulnerabilities.
The SMB1001 certification framework provides a structured, cost-effective pathway for Australian businesses to build robust cyber security defences while meeting compliance requirements and gaining competitive advantages in the marketplace.
SMB1001 is Australia's premier cyber security certification framework specifically designed for small and medium-sized businesses with 5 to 200 staff. Developed by Dynamic Standards International (DSI), this tiered certification program offers a practical alternative to complex international standards like ISO 27001, providing structured guidance through Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond certification levels.
Unlike traditional cyber security frameworks that can overwhelm smaller organisations, SMB1001 recognises the unique challenges facing Australian SMBs: limited budgets, resources, and technical expertise. The framework provides a clear roadmap for improving security posture while maintaining business operations and growth objectives.
The SMB1001 Certification provides a clear roadmap for improving security posture while maintaining business operations and growth objectives.
Start with bronze and proceed in an additive manner to the level that best suits your Organisation
Address the evolving threat landscape with annual updates to tier requirements
Initial certification levels can be self-assessed for businesses with a good understanding of Cyber Technology
Certification controls align with the requirements of the Essential 8 and International standards
compared with the complexity of the ISO27001 international standard
The framework provides comprehensive guidelines across essential security areas, including technology management, access control, incident response, and employee training.
Implementing SMB1001 controls significantly reduces the risk of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cyber threats that could devastate your business operations.
SMB1001 aligns with Australian cyber security requirements, including the Privacy Act 1988, helping businesses meet local regulations without the complexity of international standards.
This alignment ensures SMBs adhere to national standards while avoiding potential legal issues and regulatory penalties.
Achieving SMB1001 certification signals to clients, partners, and insurers that your organisation prioritises data protection.
This commitment to security fosters trust and provides a competitive edge, as customers increasingly prefer to engage with businesses demonstrating robust cyber security practices.
Many cyber insurance providers now recognise SMB1001 certification, potentially leading to reduced premiums and improved coverage terms.
Certified businesses demonstrate lower risk profiles, making them more attractive to insurers and investors.
As an accredited SMB1001 service provider, Microsolve offers comprehensive advisory-led support through our mConsult | Cyber Security Uplift program. Unlike assessment-only services, we provide hands-on guidance throughout your entire 36-month certification journey, ensuring you not only achieve but maintain Gold-level certification.
Our experienced vCISOs and cyber security advisors work alongside your team, providing practical, business-aligned advice tailored to your industry, size, and risk profile. We translate complex security requirements into actionable steps your team can implement.
When you follow our structured roadmap, we guarantee your Gold certification achievement. Our proven methodology has helped numerous Australian SMBs successfully navigate the certification process without overwhelming their operations.
Our fixed monthly pricing model eliminates surprises, allowing you to budget confidently for your cyber security improvement journey. Technical implementation work is quoted separately, giving you complete transparency and control over additional investments.
What's Included in Your Monthly Advisory Fee:
SMB1001 is a cyber security certification framework designed specifically for Australian small and medium businesses. It provides a structured, cost-effective approach to improving your cyber security posture while meeting compliance requirements and gaining competitive advantages.
The certification process unfolds over 36 months, allowing your business to implement security measures gradually without disrupting operations. You'll see progress within the first six months and achieve Gold certification within 24 months when following our structured roadmap.
SMB1001 is specifically designed for SMBs and offers a more practical, cost-effective approach than ISO 27001. While ISO 27001 is excellent for larger organisations, it's often too complex and expensive for small and medium businesses. SMB1001 provides equivalent security outcomes at a fraction of the cost and complexity.
You'll need to involve someone from your IT or leadership team regularly for progress meetings and implementation activities. A company director must sign the final attestation. Our advisory team guides the rest of the process, minimising the burden on your internal resources.
While self-implementation is possible, most businesses find the process complex and time-consuming. Our advisory service reduces risk, saves time, and helps ensure successful certification by providing expert guidance throughout the journey.
The monthly fee includes access to our cyber security advisors, roadmap design and updates, CyberCert portal interpretation, milestone planning, progress meetings, and annual certification reviews. These services are essential for progressing through certification levels and maintaining compliance.
SMB1001 certification is not legally mandatory, but it's increasingly important for businesses handling sensitive data, working with government entities, or seeking cyber insurance. Many clients and partners now expect their suppliers to demonstrate robust cyber security practices.
Certification costs vary based on your chosen tier and current security posture. Our fixed monthly advisory fee provides predictable budgeting, with technical implementation work quoted separately. This approach is significantly more cost-effective than traditional ISO 27001 certification.
Yes, many cyber insurance providers recognise SMB1001 certification and may offer reduced premiums or improved coverage terms for certified businesses. The certification demonstrates a lower risk profile to insurers.
SMB1001 certification requires annual renewal to maintain validity. Our ongoing advisory service includes monitoring certification expiry, reviewing updated requirements, refreshing roadmaps, and supporting recertification processes to ensure continuous compliance.
