What Are Australia's Most Common Types of Cybercrime, and How Can You Protect Yourself?

Like many other countries, cybercrime has hit Australia hard over the last few years. In 2022 alone, the ACSC reported that it had received more than 76,000 cybercrime reports. This figure marks a nearly 13% increase from 2021, and Queensland and Victoria had the highest rate of reported cybercrime. As such, with this issue on the rise in Australia, people must know how to protect themselves online and which types of cybercrime are the most prevalent in the country. 

Australia’s Top Cybercrime Attacks

1) Internet Spying

It’s easy to want to take advantage of public Wi-Fi, but this is a common way for hackers to access your data and steal your information, potentially leading to identity theft, which 159,600 people in Australia experienced in 2022. However, you can use technologies like a VPN to hide your online activity from cybercriminals. A VPN is short for a “Virtual Private Network,” and it creates a private and protected network connection when you’re using public networks. That’s because, as ExpressVPN reports, a VPN will encrypt your web traffic and won’t log any activity or connections. In Australia, using a VPN will also make your online activity invisible to your internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP is inevitably recording your browsing data and retaining your metadata since it is required of telecoms to do so by Australian law. Still, using a VPN gives you a way to get around this. 

2) Phishing

Sometimes, however, cybercrime is a little more complicated than internet spying, which is why phishing is becoming one of Australia’s most popular forms of cybercrime attacks. In fact, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scamwatch reported that phishing attacks were responsible for a financial loss of over $24.6 million in Australia in 2022. Phishing involves cybercriminals sending emails that mimic those from a legitimate organisation, such as a government agency, to trick people into giving away money or personal or financial information. 

Even though phishing attacks are becoming more intelligent and thus increasingly more challenging to recognise, there are ways to avoid falling victim. Most importantly, never click unsolicited emails that ask for money or your information. Always remember that banks will usually never ask for this information over email, so be wary of this. Further, avoid clicking on attachments that download to your computer from unsolicited emails. 

3) Ransomware

Ransomware is another popular type of malware infecting Australia. With a ransomware attack, cybercriminals will access someone’s device and data and then lock them out of their device. If the individual isn’t locked out of their device, their information may still be stolen or deleted. These hackers will then extort the individual and demand a ransom in exchange. Like phishing attacks, the primary way to protect yourself against ransomware attacks is to never click on unsolicited or unusual links, particularly from unknown websites or in spam messages. 

Cybercrime is rising worldwide, but in Australia, some cybersecurity threats have higher precedence than others, including identity theft, phishing, and ransomware attacks. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent these attacks, such as using a VPN and never clicking on unsolicited links from accounts or websites you aren’t familiar with.

What Are Australia's Most Common Types of Cybercrime, and How Can You Protect Yourself?

Gold Coast Magazine

Gold Coast Magazine

Our in-house team and affiliates bringing you the latest in Culture, Lifestyle and Entertainment from around the globe and the great stories of the Gold Coast

The iconic Kirra Beach Hotel, a cherished local landmark since 1956 has reopened with a fresh new look, ready for a summer full of great

The iconic Kirra Beach Hotel, a cherished local landmark since 1956 has reopened with a fresh new look, ready for a summer full of great people & good times.

Experience beachfront luxury with a chance to win a $12.6 million Gold Coast apartment complex just in time for Christma with RSL Art Union's monumental Draw 411!

Experience beachfront luxury with a chance to win a $12.6 million Gold Coast apartment complex just in time for Christma with RSL Art Union’s monumental Draw 411!

Bonza Airlines launches inaugural flights from Gold Coast Airport today, offering routes to Townsville and a lineup of exciting new destinations

Bonza Airlines launches inaugural flights from Gold Coast Airport today, offering routes to Townsville and a lineup of exciting new destinations

Bronte Langbroek, a Gold Coast native and well-known radio personality, is making her triumphant return to SEA FM's Breakfast studio

Bronte Langbroek, a Gold Coast native and well-known radio personality, is making her triumphant return to SEA FM’s Breakfast studio

Elevate your Melbourne trip with Pullman's Elevate Club Lounge. Find out how you can enjoy Champagne breakfast and more, even if you're not staying at

Elevate your Melbourne trip with Pullman’s Elevate Club Lounge. Find out how you can enjoy Champagne breakfast and more, even if you’re not staying at the hotel

We have compiled our list of 10 of the best burgers on the Gold Coast; these ten are the best burger joints in Queensland in

We have compiled our list of 10 of the best burgers on the Gold Coast; these ten are the best burger joints in Queensland in my opinion and sure to cure your biggest craving for delicious burgers

In a stellar achievement for the Queensland hospitality scene, The Calile Hotel has secured its place as the No.12 hotel in the world and earned

In a stellar achievement for the Queensland hospitality scene, The Calile Hotel has secured its place as the No.12 hotel in the world and earned the prestigious title of “The Best Hotel in Oceania

Discover the revamped Palm Beach Aquatic Centre reopening in 2024. Enjoy upgraded pools, fitness facilities, and a vibrant community hub on the Gold Coast

Discover the revamped Palm Beach Aquatic Centre reopening in 2024. Enjoy upgraded pools, fitness facilities, and a vibrant community hub on the Gold Coast

gcmag

Gold Coast Magazine

Sharing the People, Places & Stories that define our great city and showcasing the best places to eat, play and stay since 2007.