FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions Perth businesses ask us most about cybersecurity, IT and getting protected.

  • What's The Difference Between IDS And IBS?

    An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) monitors your network and alerts you to suspicious activity, while an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) goes a step further and actively blocks threats in real time. As part of our managed security services, Secure West helps Perth businesses choose, configure and monitor the right mix of detection and prevention tools for their environment.

  • How Is Encryption Different From Hacking?

    Encryption protects information by scrambling it so only authorised parties can read it — it is a defensive tool. Hacking is the attempt to gain unauthorised access to systems or data. Strong encryption is one of the key controls we implement to keep your business data safe even if other defences fail.

  • What Is Firewall And Why It Is Used?

    A firewall is a security barrier that controls what traffic is allowed in and out of your network — your first line of defence against unauthorised access. We configure and manage business-grade firewalls as part of our managed security services.

  • What Steps Will You Take To Secure Server?

    We harden servers by applying security patches, closing unused ports and services, enforcing strong authentication and least-privilege access, enabling encryption, and setting up monitoring and backups — aligned to ACSC Essential Eight guidance.

  • What Is Cyber Crime And Cyber Security?

    Cyber crime is any criminal activity that targets or uses computers and networks — from phishing and fraud to ransomware. Cyber security is the practice of defending your systems, people and data against those attacks. Secure West helps WA businesses build both the technology and the habits to stay safe.

  • How Does Good Cyber Security Operate?

    Good security works in layers: prevention, detection, response and recovery. No single tool does it all, so we combine technical controls, monitoring and staff awareness training, and continuously improve as threats evolve.

  • What Is The Best Way To Train For Cyber Security?

    Regular, practical training beats one-off lectures. Our cyber awareness workshops use real-world phishing simulations and plain-language sessions tailored to your industry, so your team learns to spot and report threats confidently.

  • What Should I Do After A Cyber Attack?

    Disconnect affected systems, do not pay ransoms, and get expert help fast. We assist with containment, recovery and reporting obligations — including notifiable data breaches — then put controls in place so it does not happen again.

  • What Are The Costs Of A Cyber Attack?

    For Australian small and medium businesses, a single incident regularly costs tens of thousands of dollars in downtime, recovery and lost trust — and some never recover. Prevention is far cheaper than response, which is why we focus on right-sized protection for your budget.

  • Do Mobile Devices Present Security Risks?

    Yes — phones and tablets access the same business data as your computers but are easier to lose and often less protected. We help you set up mobile device management, multi-factor authentication and safe BYOD policies to close that gap.

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