Return-to-work period is ‘prime time for cyber crimes’, government warns

Australia’s special envoy for cyber security and digital resilience has warned workers across the country to beware of cyber criminals as we all return to the office.

Editor’s note: This story first appeared on HR Leader’s sister brand, Cyber Daily.

The federal government’s special envoy for cyber security and digital resilience, Dr Andrew Charlton (pictured), has warned that Australians returning to work after the Christmas holidays should be on the lookout for cyber criminals looking to take advantage in the period.

“We’ve all suffered that post-holiday relaxed brain, but criminals know this too, and they don’t take breaks,” Charlton said in a statement.

“The holiday season leaves many Australians vulnerable, with cyber criminals taking advantage of reduced staff and holiday distractions to launch attacks. Ransomware attempts see a dramatic rise, with a 30 per cent increase reported in Australia during recent holiday seasons and up to 70 per cent globally.

“Every six minutes, a cyber crime is reported in Australia, impacting individuals and small businesses alike. For small businesses, each attack costs an average of $50,000, while individuals face an average loss of over $30,000.”

While the season sees an uptake in cyber crime statistics, according to Charlton, the best methods to stay safe remain the same:

• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
• Enable multifactor authentication wherever it’s available.
• Regularly update software and back up critical data.

“Cyber security is a shared responsibility. By staying vigilant, we can ensure Australians are safer and more secure online,” Charlton said.