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Why Strata Firms Need Cyber Certification

Strata management companies hold sensitive data on thousands of lot owners - including financials, contracts, personal details - making them prime targets for cybercriminals.

Recent attacks like the SSKB breach, where 200GB of data including customer financials was stolen with a $460,000 ransom demand, and Strata Plus hit by Maze ransomware, exposed hundreds of owners to identity theft and fraud.

Without a common cyber certification approach, firms risk not just financial loss but eroded trust from committees demanding proof of security.

SMB1001 Framework Benefits

The SMB1001 cyber framework delivers a tiered, affordable cybersecurity framework tailored for small-to-medium strata firms.

IT covers technology management, access controls, backups, recovery policies, and staff training, all without needing enterprise-level IT budgets.

Unlike more complex standards (such as ISO:27001) , it's practical for NSW businesses handling multiple schemes, ensuring compliance with local privacy laws while scaling with growth.

Our team at Microsolve guides implementation, turning compliance into a competitive edge through our guided SecureStart program.

SMB1001 Certification Badges_400x92

Tech & Access: Secure Logins for Multi-Scheme Access

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access controls ensure strata staff only see data for their assigned schemes. This means that portfolio managers that view 50+ buildings, can do so without exposing sensitive owner financials across the team. Conditional access blocks logins from risky locations or devices, while Entra ID automates onboarding/offboarding for high-turnover roles. This SMB1001 Bronze-to-Gold essential prevents breaches like SSKB's 200GB data theft, keeping NSW Privacy Act compliance tight even during remote work or scheme handovers.

Backup/Recovery: Automated Data Protection Against Ransomware

Immutable, cloud-based backups run daily with air-gapped copies that ransomware can't touch. Recover scheme records, levies, and contracts in hours, not weeks, even after attacks like Strata Plus Maze incident. Automated testing verifies restores work, while tiered retention meets Strata Schemes Management Act's 7-year rules. Microsolve monitors and orchestrates recovery, turning potential downtime into a non-event for your operations.

Training/Policies: Staff-Ready Guides for Daily Operations

Bite-sized, scenario-based modules teach staff to spot phishing emails from 'owners' demanding urgent levy changes, handle suspicious scheme attachments, and report incidents via one-click tools with no jargon, just 15-minute annual refreshers tailored for busy strata teams. Custom policies cover password hygiene, device security, and data classification (e.g., 'owner personal' vs 'public maintenance'). Microsolve delivers via Microsoft 365, tracking completion for SMB1001 audits and Essential Eight alignment.

Not sure if this is for you?

We understand! Jumping into any new program can be risky - not having appropriate protections for your clients and their critical data is more of a risk.  Take 2 minutes to see where your key risk areas are - no obligation, no risk.

Take our 2 minute rapid assessment

Certification Builds Client Trust

In NSW's competitive strata market, committee members and owners expect managers to prove data protection. SMB1001 certification provides that tangible badge of reliability. Display it on your site, proposals, and communications to win tenders and retain clients. At Microsolve we focus on comprehensive, strategic service that aligns with your real-world needs.

Frequently asked questions

Why do strata management companies need SMB1001 certification?

Strata firms handle highly sensitive data for hundreds or thousands of lot owners, making them prime targets for ransomware attacks like the SSKB breach or Strata Plus incident. SMB1001 certification gives you a clear, recognised way to demonstrate robust security to committees and owners, helping you build trust and meet growing expectations.

What does SMB1001 cover?

SMB1001 provides a practical, tiered framework designed specifically for small and medium businesses that covers technology management, secure access controls, reliable backups and recovery, clear policies, and effective staff training. It's affordable and scalable, so you get enterprise-grade protection without the big IT budget.

How long does the certification process typically take?

With Microsolve's expert guidance, most strata companies complete certification in 4-8 weeks, depending on your current setup and the tier you're targeting. We handle the heavy lifting of assessments, implementation, and documentation, so your team can focus on managing schemes, not security projects.

Is SMB1001 certification compliant with NSW laws and regulations?

Absolutely! SMB1001 aligns seamlessly with the Privacy Act, Strata Schemes Management Act requirements, and NSW data protection standards. It ensures your controls for owner financials, contracts, and personal information meet legal obligations while keeping everything practical for day-to-day strata operations.

What's the cost for a strata management firm like ours?

We use a straightforward, fixed-price model tailored to your number of schemes, team size, and target tier to ensure there's no hidden fees or surprises. Reach out for a personalised quote, we're happy to walk you through options that fit your budget and deliver real peace of mind.

Need to Chat?

We're here to answer your questions - whether they are cyber or general technology related, feel free to drop us a line.

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