A recent survey reveals that nearly half of Australia’s internet users have fallen victim to cybercrimes over the past year. The report, Voices of the People, consolidated the perspectives of more than 10,000 Australians. It points to a worrying trend, that vulnerable populations like young people, Indigenous Australians, LGBTIQ+ communities and people with disabilities are especially vulnerable.
Rick Brown, a cybersecurity tactician, highlights the importance of taking proactive measures to fight against this emerging threat. His message to people is to be serious about your personal safety when you’re online, use strong passwords and install security updates as soon as they become available. The report particularly highlights the fact that placement rates of these protective measures are “alarming low.”
Among cybercriminals’ tactics, according to the survey, are hacking personal data and stealing funds. Remarkably, nearly half—47 percent—of victims said their last interaction was with someone they didn’t know who approached them through a social media platform. This especially alarming statistic is a telling sign of the times in which we all work today—cybercrime surrounds us.
Small and medium business owners are heavily targeted by these hazards. The report highlights that they face extraordinary dangers. Less than 25 percent of them report to law enforcement after falling prey to a cybercrime. Brown noted that rates of cybercrime victimization are still disturbingly high. In the interim, reports to law enforcement and platforms such as ReportCyber continue to be tragically underwhelming.
“Overall, rates of cybercrime victimisation remain high, reporting to police and ReportCyber remains low, and a large proportion of victims are negatively impacted by cybercrime,” – Rick Brown
Additionally, the report points to a positive trend in the ability of identity crime victims to financially recuperate for their losses. The proportion of those who successfully recovered lost funds increased from 75 percent to 82 percent, suggesting improvements in support systems for victims.
These findings highlight an urgent need for increased cybersecurity education and awareness for all Australians. Brown’s recommendations reinforce the idea that personal accountability is crucial to protecting yourself from the dangers of the internet. As cybercriminals continue to change their approach, it’s more important than ever for users to be proactive and educated.
