Cyber Security

  • Date March 7, 2022
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Ref: AISAL, 2022

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) lists ransomware as a type of malicious software that makes your computer or its files unusable unless you pay a fee, often in the form of untraceable cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. It requires minimal technical expertise, is low cost, and can result in significant financial harm.

The ACSC has published a ransomware Prevention and Protection Guide, and Emergency Response Guide which provides step-by-step instructions on what to do.

Cybercrime: risks and resources

According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, the most common online scams include:

  • ‘Phishing’ – when a scammer pretends to be a genuine enterprise and convinces a person to hand over private or financial information, which they then exploit.
  • ‘Hacking’ – Hackers focus more on computer systems themselves rather than the users. They can exploit computer systems using vulnerable computers, for example, to obtain personal or commercial information from the system itself. By hacking email, social networking sites, and online trading sites, hackers may access credit card details, steal individual identities or access personal information.

Awareness – know the risks

There are several different government website’s that report online scams and threats and offer an alert service when new threats arise:

  • SCAMwatch – for all types of scams, including online.
  • Stay Smart Online – very good for keeping up with new online threats as they are rated for severity.

eLearning: “Privacy Awareness” course now updated to include the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme
This course outlines the legal and ethical responsibilities of both organisations and staff to ensure the privacy of personal or sensitive information and the steps that should be taken in the event of a breach. Find out more or sign up online

Blog post: Debunking Cyber Myths for SMEs

Fact sheet: Facts about cybercrime risks

Guide: Cyber Security Best Practice Guide from The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.

Zenith Institute