Cybercrime stories
Any use of network connected electronic devices such as computers or smartphones for criminal activity
is classified as cybercrime. With a long history starting with the misuse of telephone systems (such as
‘phreaking’), cybercrime today includes the creation and distribution of viruses, ransomware, keyloggers
and other malware, the download and use of malware produced by others, social engineering tactics
such as phishing or (physical) impersonation, the theft and use of credentials for accessing computer
systems or networks, and the theft of privileged data. Cybercrime is a broad and dynamic field, with
cybercriminals constantly adapting their methods in pursuit of usually financial goals, but also
occasionally seeking to disrupt, embarrass or shame their targets.
Average ransomware payments in Australia halve to AUD $711,000
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cybercrime
Average ransomware payments in Australia have halved to AUD $711,000 as businesses become more prepared and less willing to pay ransoms after attacks.
Job & financial scams surge as cost pressures hit Australia & NZ
Last week
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cybercrime
Job and financial scams are rising in Australia and New Zealand as cost-of-living pressures drive more consumers into risky online offers, warns Trend Micro.
Instagram posts fuel surge in money mule recruitment schemes
Last week
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Nearly 24% of Instagram posts tagged as ‘quick-money’ offers are linked to money mule recruitment, posing major challenges for law enforcement and platforms.
Cyber Security Bill aims to shield UK firms from GBP £2 billion losses
Last week
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cybercrime
The UK’s new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill targets protecting critical infrastructure and firms from cyberattacks causing GBP £2 billion in annual losses.
Australian firms face rising data loss threats amid AI adoption
Last week
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cybercrime
Australian firms face rising data loss risks from human error and AI adoption, with 57% blaming staff mistakes amid surging data and security threats.
Retailers face surge in AI-driven cyber threats & supply chain risks
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cybercrime
Nearly half of retailers face rising AI-driven cyber attacks, with just 25% prepared for these sophisticated threats amid growing supply chain security concerns.
AI & ransomware reshape cyber threat landscape, report finds
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cybercrime
Rapid7's report reveals cyber threats evolving with AI-powered phishing, rising ransomware alliances, and faster exploitation of vulnerabilities worldwide.
Phishing attacks surge as criminals exploit trusted platforms in 2025
Last week
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Phishing attacks surged in 2025, with a 67% rise exploiting trusted platforms like Zoom and PayPal, and a 449% increase in phone-based vishing incidents targeting businesses.
Australian organisations face rising threat from top ransomware groups
Last week
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cybercrime
Australian organisations face increasing ransomware threats from top groups like Qilin, Akira, Scattered Spider, impacting sectors from healthcare to education and business.
AI & phishing attacks highlight human risk in Australian fraud
Last week
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cybercrime
Australian firms face rising fraud risks as AI-driven phishing attacks exploit human error, urging stronger security culture ahead of International Fraud Awareness Week.
Iran-linked cyber spies blend tactics to target US policy experts
This month
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cybercrime
Iran-linked cyber spies have combined tactics from multiple hacking groups in a new phishing campaign targeting US experts on Iranian politics and the IRGC.
Exclusive: Google on AI-powered attacks & cyber threats in Australia
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cybercrime
AI-driven cyber threats are escalating in Australia, with criminals deploying deepfakes and malware that evolves to bypass security, warns Google's Andrew Aston.
New Zealand’s best in cybersecurity honoured at 2025 iSANZ Awards
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cybercrime
New Zealand’s top cybersecurity experts and organisations were honoured at the 2025 iSANZ Awards amid rising cybercrime losses of NZD $1.6 billion annually.
Australians warned over AI-driven scams ahead of Christmas sales
This month
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cybercrime
Australians are urged to boost online security as AI-driven scams surge ahead of Christmas, with experts promoting multi-factor authentication and hardware keys.
UK adults unprepared for dark web data leaks, survey finds
This month
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cybercrime
A survey reveals 72% of UK adults are unprepared to respond if their personal data is exposed on the dark web, highlighting widespread cyber awareness gaps.
Cloud breaches driven by identity failures & process flaws
This month
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cybercrime
ReliaQuest reveals identity compromises and process flaws, not zero-day exploits, drive most cloud breaches, with 99% of cloud identities still over-privileged.
AI-powered bots surge by 300%, challenging digital business
This month
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cybercrime
AI-powered bots have surged 300% to over 3 billion, challenging online businesses with increased cyber threats and operational costs.
Cybercriminals exploit remote tools to steal global cargo worth USD $34 billion
This month
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cybercrime
Cybercriminals exploit remote monitoring tools to steal USD $34 billion in cargo globally, targeting trucking firms amid growing digital supply chain risks.
Google warns of espionage and scams in JAPAC in 2026
This month
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cybercrime
Google warns of a surge in cyber espionage targeting Asia-Pacific summits in 2026, alongside rising scams using false base stations and tighter supply chain cybersecurity rules.
Ransomware & state threats surge in Europe, warns CrowdStrike
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European organisations faced a sharp 2024 rise in ransomware and state-backed cyberattacks, with 22% of global victims, says CrowdStrike's latest report.