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Australian Stories

Online Safety stories

Australian councils urged to boost cyber threat training
Ransomware

Australian councils urged to boost cyber threat training

Cyberattacks on Australian local councils are surging, with under half providing essential cybersecurity training, leaving systems vulnerable to breaches.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Wed, 2nd Apr 2025
Microsoft exposes phishing scam targeting Booking.com hosts
Malware

Microsoft exposes phishing scam targeting Booking.com hosts

Microsoft has revealed a phishing scam targeting hotel owners on Booking.com, warning the tourism sector of rising cyber threats and significant financial risks.

By Sean Mitchell • 2 min read • Fri, 14th Mar 2025
Microsoft survey reveals online risks for Aussie teens
Generative AI

Microsoft survey reveals online risks for Aussie teens

A Microsoft survey reveals that 64% of Australian teenagers faced online risks in 2024, with rising concerns over AI and digital safety among parents.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Tue, 11th Feb 2025
Aussie kids' social media usage doubles, report reveals
Gaming

Aussie kids' social media usage doubles, report reveals

A new report reveals Australian children are spending more time on social media, with TikTok leading at 117 minutes daily, sparking safety concerns.

By Melania Watson • 3 min read • Wed, 22nd Jan 2025

Global Stories

Online Safety stories

Rising threats to influencers as cyber attacks escalate
Multi-factor authentication

Rising threats to influencers as cyber attacks escalate

Bitdefender reports a dramatic rise in cybercrime targeting social media influencers, uncovering over 9,000 malicious livestreams on YouTube in 2024.

By Melania Watson • 3 min read • Wed, 9th Apr 2025
AI & data breaches drive rise in sextortion scams
Multi-factor authentication

AI & data breaches drive rise in sextortion scams

Sextortion scams are surging globally, with New Zealand reporting a staggering 137% increase in 2025, driven by AI and recent data breaches.

By Melania Watson • 2 min read • Wed, 26th Mar 2025
ExpressVPN partners with Booking.com for business safety
Online Safety

ExpressVPN partners with Booking.com for business safety

ExpressVPN has teamed up with Booking.com for Business to enhance digital security for business travellers, offering 4 months free on a 12-month subscription.

By Kaleah Salmon • 2 min read • Tue, 4th Mar 2025
Kaspersky blocks over 893 million phishing attempts in 2024
Malware

Kaspersky blocks over 893 million phishing attempts in 2024

In 2024, Kaspersky blocked over 893 million phishing attempts, a 26% rise from 2023, as cybercriminals exploited trusted brand names to deceive users.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Thu, 20th Feb 2025
Facebook faces decline among UK's younger users
Data Protection

Facebook faces decline among UK's younger users

Research shows Facebook's grip on young Brits is waning, with 70% of those aged 18-24 reducing their use, favouring platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

By Melania Watson • 2 min read • Thu, 13th Feb 2025
Phishing campaign targets X accounts for crypto scams
Malware

Phishing campaign targets X accounts for crypto scams

Researchers at SentinelLabs have uncovered an active phishing campaign targeting high-profile X accounts to hijack credentials for cryptocurrency scams.

By Catherine Knowles • 3 min read • Mon, 3rd Feb 2025
Kaspersky warns of surge in Chinese New Year scams
Phishing

Kaspersky warns of surge in Chinese New Year scams

As Chinese New Year 2025 approaches, Kaspersky warns of a rise in fraudulent websites exploiting the festive spirit, enticing consumers with fake deals.

By Shannon Williams • 2 min read • Fri, 31st Jan 2025
KnowBe4 shares data protection tips for 2025 privacy focus
Data Protection

KnowBe4 shares data protection tips for 2025 privacy focus

On Data Privacy Day, KnowBe4 offers vital tips for individuals and organisations to enhance data security and regain control over personal information.

By Catherine Knowles • 3 min read • Fri, 31st Jan 2025

Stories from Other Regions

Online Safety stories

New Zealanders spending more time online than ever
Artificial Intelligence

New Zealanders spending more time online than ever

A new study by InternetNZ reveals half of New Zealanders now spend four or more hours online daily, with significant usage noted among younger adults.

By Sean Mitchell • 2 min read • Thu, 20th Mar 2025
Deepfakes & scams plague one-fifth of UK dating app users
Email Security

Deepfakes & scams plague one-fifth of UK dating app users

A survey by Sumsub reveals that deepfakes pose a significant threat on UK dating apps, with 75% of users suspecting AI manipulation.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Fri, 14th Feb 2025
United Kingdom loses record GBP £306m to crypto scams in 2023
Crypto

United Kingdom loses record GBP £306m to crypto scams in 2023

Cryptocurrency scams have surged in the UK, with victims losing GBP £306 million in 2023, prompting warnings for greater vigilance in the digital currency market.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Thu, 6th Feb 2025
Rise in online dating scams concerns in New Zealand
Physical Security

Rise in online dating scams concerns in New Zealand

A new Norton survey reveals alarming trends in online dating in New Zealand, with over half of users encountering scams on dating apps weekly.

By Melania Watson • 3 min read • Wed, 5th Feb 2025
Netsafe & Sticks 'n Stones unite to fight bullying
Cyberbullying

Netsafe & Sticks 'n Stones unite to fight bullying

Netsafe and Sticks 'n Stones have formed a strategic partnership to combat bullying and improve digital wellbeing for young people across New Zealand.

By Shannon Williams • 3 min read • Tue, 21st Jan 2025