China, Russia and our cyber reckoning.
Did you know there’s a cyber attack reported in Australia every six minutes?
In the past 18 months, we’ve seen some of the biggest hacks in our history, including against Optus and Medibank.
Today, executive director of cyber intelligence at CyberCX Katherine Mansted, executive director of cyber intelligence at CyberCX explains why the threat is increasing and how we can protect ourselves.
There are criminal groups trying to disrupt our lives and steal our data, but it’s countries like China and Russia that are also becoming more aggressive in targeting Australian businesses and government secrets.
The world is becoming increasingly digital, and with that comes the threat of cyber-attacks. In recent years, Australia has seen a significant increase in the number of reported cyber-attacks, with one occurring every six minutes. This is a staggering statistic that highlights the urgent need for better cybersecurity measures in our country.
In the past 18 months alone, some of the biggest hacks in Australia’s history have occurred, including attacks against major companies like Optus and Medibank. These attacks have not only caused significant financial losses for these companies but have also put the personal information of millions of Australians at risk.
One of the most alarming aspects of these cyber-attacks is the involvement of criminal groups. These groups are constantly trying to disrupt our lives and steal our data for financial gain.
But it’s not just criminal groups that pose a threat to our cybersecurity. Countries like China and Russia have also become more aggressive in targeting Australian businesses and government secrets. These state-sponsored attacks are not only aimed at stealing sensitive information but also at causing disruption and chaos.
In June 2021, the Australian government publicly accused China of carrying out a massive cyber-attack on the country’s industry and government sectors. The attack targeted critical infrastructure and was described as being ‘sophisticated, state-sponsored, and malicious.’ This incident highlights the growing threat posed by foreign countries in the realm of cybersecurity.
So why is Australia becoming such a prime target for cyber-attacks? One reason is the lack of awareness and preparedness among individuals and businesses. Many people still have a lax attitude towards cybersecurity, believing that it won’t happen to them. This mindset makes it easier for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to sensitive information.
Another reason is the increasing digitalization of our society. With more and more of our personal and professional lives being conducted online, there is a wealth of valuable information available for hackers to target. This, coupled with the lack of stringent cybersecurity measures, makes Australia an attractive target for cybercriminals.
So, what can be done to address this alarming trend of cyber-attacks in Australia? The first step is for individuals and businesses to take responsibility for their own cybersecurity. This includes regularly updating software and operating systems, using strong passwords, and being cautious of suspicious emails and websites.
The government also has a crucial role to play in protecting the country from cyber threats. In response to the increasing frequency of cyber-attacks, the Australian government has invested heavily in cybersecurity measures, including the establishment of the ACSC. The government has also introduced legislation to enhance cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure from attacks.
In conclusion, the rise in cyber-attacks in Australia is a cause for concern. As a society, we must take a proactive approach to protect ourselves from cyber threats. This includes being vigilant and implementing better cybersecurity practices in our daily lives. With the collaboration of individuals, businesses, and the government, we can work towards creating a more secure digital landscape for Australia.