URGENT UPDATE: A shocking 47% of Australian internet users fell victim to cybercrime in the past year, according to a new report by the Australian Institute of Criminology. The report, titled Cybercrime in Australia: 2024, reveals alarming statistics that indicate a significant rise in online threats.
The report highlights that 26.8% of respondents experienced online abuse and harassment, while 21.9% faced identity crime and misuse, and 20.6% reported malware incidents. Furthermore, 9.5% of users encountered fraud and scams. With 25% reporting data breaches, the need for enhanced online security has never been more critical.
Despite the rising threats, only a quarter of Australians are taking basic precautions, such as regularly updating their passwords. The study found that many users still rely on easily guessable passwords like “password” and “123456.”
“Many respondents are not taking simple but important steps to improve their online safety,”
the report states.
Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Tony Burke emphasized the importance of the findings in shaping the government’s response to cybercrime. He urged citizens to adopt three essential safety measures: install the latest software updates, use unique passphrases, and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. This guidance comes on the heels of the federal government’s ongoing “Act Now. Stay Secure” campaign, aimed at equipping Australians with effective online safety strategies.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by insights from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), which recently reported that cybercriminals view Australia as a “lucrative and underprepared” target. A hacker identified as part of the notorious REvil gang was quoted saying, “Australians are the most stupid humans alive … they have a lot of money for no reason.” This stark claim highlights the perception among cybercriminals regarding Australia’s vulnerability.
In a related development, the Australian Information Commissioner (AIC) has initiated civil proceedings against Medibank concerning a major data breach that affected 9.7 million Australians. The AIC alleges that Medibank “seriously interfered with the privacy” of its users due to inadequate security measures. A case management hearing is scheduled for November 21 in the Federal Court of Australia.
As cyber threats continue to escalate, Australians are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in their online security practices. The findings from the latest report serve as a clarion call to all internet users to take immediate action to protect themselves.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Australia grapples with the pressing issue of cybercrime.
