OpSys and Crime Stoppers SA tackle cyber resilience

Cyber security and managed IT service provider, Operational Systems Australia (OpSys) has been chosen by Crime Stoppers South Australia (CSSA) to bolster cyber resilience across the state’s business sector and broader community.

This partnership comes at a time when cybercrime is rapidly evolving, with more than 94,000 cybercrime reports made to the Australian Cyber Security Centre in the last financial year, with one report every six minutes.

Crime Stoppers South Australia CEO, Nigel Smart, said with an estimated impact to Australian businesses, individuals and government valued at $33 billion annually, cyber threats are now one of the most serious risks facing the South Australian community.

The multi-year partnership will see CSSA and OpSys co-deliver a series of digital campaigns, business sector engagements and targeted educational initiatives designed to improve awareness of current cyber risks and promote anonymous reporting of cyber-enabled crime.

One of the first campaigns under the partnership, is expected to launch in August 2025.

Crime Stoppers South Australia CEO Nigel Smart said, with an estimated impact to Australian businesses, individuals and government valued at $33 billion annually, cyber threats are now one of the most serious risks facing the South Australian community.

It will focus on helping businesses in regional and metropolitan areas prevent business email compromise and invoice fraud, two of the most prevalent and costly forms of cybercrime.

OpSys managing director Matthew Fabri, said the partnership will play a vital role in closing the awareness gap for businesses.

“Cybercrime is not just a problem for IT departments; it’s a significant risk to an entire business and broader supply chain. From financial loss and reputational damage to legal liability, the stakes are high,” he said. “This collaboration will help empower South Australians to be proactive rather than reactive in their cyber approach.”

The partnership will also generate flow-on benefits for the broader SA community.

Many of the scams affecting individuals, such as phishing emails, SMS-based fraud and online identity theft, mirror the tactics used to target businesses.

Smart said by increasing awareness across all sectors, the initiative ultimately helps build a more digitally resilient South Australia.

“With small-to-medium businesses now prime targets for cybercriminals, and business email compromise costing Australian organisations more than $98 million in reported losses last year alone,” he said. “This timely collaboration will deliver high-impact educational campaigns, thought leadership and community outreach to help prevent cyber-enabled crime.

“We know that cybercriminals often see small and medium enterprises as soft targets due to limited security systems, under-resourced IT teams and a lack of awareness.”

According to Smart this partnership with OpSys allows Crime Stoppers SA “to directly engage with the business sector and provide practical guidance”.

The sector will also benefit from expert support to help organisations safeguard their operations, their data and their people,” he said.