FutureFive Australia - Consumer technology news from the future

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.
Hannah baumgaertner 16 by 9 landscape

Hacktivism: From digital protest to real-world threat - what organisations must do to keep up

Today
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cybercrime
Hacktivism, once seen as digital protest, now intertwines with state agendas, posing complex cyber threats amid global conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza.
Digital illustration swarm faceless humanoid code circuit agents around businessperson computer cybersecurity threats

AI-driven agents spark new identity crisis for cyber security

Today
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cybercrime
AI-driven agents now outnumber humans 82 to 1 in firms, escalating identity attacks as 90% of business leaders deem them their top cyber threat.
Australian police arrest masked hackers at computer desks cybercrime bust

Australian, global agencies cripple major cybercrime malware tools

Today
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cybercrime
Australian and global law enforcement, aided by Proofpoint, have disrupted Rhadamanthys and VenomRAT malware families used in cyberattacks worldwide, including in Australia.
Global digital security globe with shields locks and cybercriminals network

Fortinet & Crime Stoppers launch global cybercrime bounty scheme

Today
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cybercrime
Fortinet and Crime Stoppers International launch a global Cybercrime Bounty to anonymously report threats and boost law enforcement efforts worldwide.
Illustration large padlock breaking digital map uk data breach cyber attack

Negligence is Warfare

Yesterday
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cybercrime
Cyber-attacks in the UK have surged from 89 to 204, exposing major firms like Marks & Spencer and Jaguar Land Rover to serious risks amid government inaction.
Netarx

The New Face of Social Engineering

Yesterday
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cybercrime
AI-powered social engineering attacks now blend email, text, and deepfake calls, costing enterprises millions and challenging traditional trust models.
Worried businessperson cybersecurity threat shadowy cybercriminals office

UK businesses face mounting risks from cybercrime & weak defences

Yesterday
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cybercrime
Half of UK businesses faced cyber incidents last year, yet many lack robust plans, risking costly downtime and operational disruption from cybercrime.
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Kaseya predicts AI risks, job shifts & MSP growth as IT evolves

Yesterday
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cybercrime
Kaseya forecasts AI risks, job cuts, and growth opportunities as managed service providers adapt to evolving tech, cybersecurity, and sustainability demands.
Riaan

Aussie Businesses Must Fight Ransomware Criminals

Yesterday
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cybercrime
Australian businesses face rising ransomware threats amid a 16% surge in cyber attack reports, exposing widespread unpreparedness and urging urgent security reforms.
Michael freeman

2026: The Year an Individual Operates Like a Nation-State

Yesterday
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cybercrime
By 2026, AI will empower individuals with hacker tools rivaling nation-states, radically transforming cyber threats and defences worldwide.
Australian man woman worried computer cybercrime data theft locks social icons

Australians risk scams as poor cyber habits cost AUD $87,000

Yesterday
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cybercrime
Australians lost over AUD $87,000 to scams last year, with risky cyber habits like password reuse and oversharing on social media putting many at threat.
Realistic photo computer workstation office lock symbol cybersecurity nz business

Why NZ Businesses Must Get Serious About Cybersecurity

Yesterday
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cybercrime
New Zealand firms face rising cyber risks as attackers exploit weak controls; experts urge urgent steps to boost defences and test incident plans.
Riaan bronkhorst

Cybersecurity Isn’t Optional-It’s the Lifeline of Modern Business

Yesterday
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cybercrime
Every six minutes, a business faces a $4.17m cyber-attack; for Australian firms, investing in cybersecurity is now critical to avoid ruin.
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Cybercrime crackdown disrupts malware, exposes AI attack risks

Yesterday
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cybercrime
Law enforcement and cybersecurity firms have disrupted major malware networks amid rising risks from AI-driven cyberattacks and escalating supply chain breaches globally.
Secure mobile phone digital shield blocked scam alerts mobile network safety

TextNow adopts Enea firewall to combat rising SMS fraud risk

Yesterday
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cybercrime
TextNow partners with Enea to deploy Adaptive Messaging Firewall, tackling rising SMS fraud and enhancing user protection amid growing scam threats.
Law enforcement officers analyzing digital evidence cybercrime investigation

Clue Software launches AI tools to boost investigative efficiency

2 days ago
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cybercrime
Clue Software has launched new AI tools designed to enhance investigative efficiency by accelerating intelligence processing and improving threat detection.
Old computer frayed wires dust warning symbols digital data leak cyber fraud risks obsolete tech

Cyber fraud risks rise as focus shifts to obsolete technology

2 days ago
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cybercrime
Fraud risks rise as firms overlook obsolete tech; underinvestment in end-of-life IT assets could cost USD $27.1m per breach, warns Iron Mountain's Asia Pacific GM.
Worried person new zealand receiving scam message with bank card warning icons

Kiwis warned as holiday surge in SMS scams targets bank details

2 days ago
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cybercrime
Kiwis face a surge in SMS scams this holiday season, with fraudsters targeting bank details through fake delivery alerts and urgent messages.
Worried person using laptop with scam popups online financial fraud australia nz

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.
Digital illustration broken padlock over australia map cyber threats

Average ransomware payments in Australia halve to AUD $711,000

Last week
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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.