To pay or not to pay
When Medibank were cyber attacked last year millions of customers were affected but the financial fall out and punishment is not commensurate with the distress and loss faced by individuals grappling with identity fraud.
When Medibank were cyber attacked last year millions of customers were affected but the financial fall out and punishment is not commensurate with the distress and loss faced by individuals grappling with identity fraud.
Optus is deeply apologetic over the latest threat to their customers’ details following a significant cyberattack. The fallout to their customer base and to the security of private data is one of confusion and distrust. Customers were put on high alert early, to note any suspicious activity on their accounts and any notifications that could be asking for information from a source unknown or a fake account. Account holders were told to stay informed, complete a credit check, change Medicare details and apply for a new licence.
Russia has been a key player in cyberattacks over the last two decades with hacking collectives making waves through ransomware, spyware and data theft. According to Forbes earlier this month, 60% of cyberattacks were linked to state actors affiliated with Russia. If Russia wants to fight using cybertechnology they certainly have the means, workforce and intelligence.
Just as we expect strong leadership on climate change action in 2021 from federal governments, so too we demand that boards of corporations have an arsenal that includes reforming climate policy, gender equality and some kind of mental health support for employees.
AFP cyber crime unit, ReportCyber has tallied over 2000 reports since June this year of cyber attacks on Australian businesses.