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.
Phishing attacks surge as criminals exploit trusted platforms in 2025
Yesterday
#
cybercrime
Phishing attacks surged in 2025, with a 67% rise exploiting trusted platforms like Zoom and PayPal, and a 449% increase in phone-based vishing incidents targeting businesses.
Australian organisations face rising threat from top ransomware groups
Yesterday
#
cybercrime
Australian organisations face increasing ransomware threats from top groups like Qilin, Akira, Scattered Spider, impacting sectors from healthcare to education and business.
AI & phishing attacks highlight human risk in Australian fraud
2 days ago
#
cybercrime
Australian firms face rising fraud risks as AI-driven phishing attacks exploit human error, urging stronger security culture ahead of International Fraud Awareness Week.
Iran-linked cyber spies blend tactics to target US policy experts
Last week
#
cybercrime
Iran-linked cyber spies have combined tactics from multiple hacking groups in a new phishing campaign targeting US experts on Iranian politics and the IRGC.
Exclusive: Google on AI-powered attacks & cyber threats in Australia
Last week
#
cybercrime
AI-driven cyber threats are escalating in Australia, with criminals deploying deepfakes and malware that evolves to bypass security, warns Google's Andrew Aston.
New Zealand’s best in cybersecurity honoured at 2025 iSANZ Awards
Last week
#
cybercrime
New Zealand’s top cybersecurity experts and organisations were honoured at the 2025 iSANZ Awards amid rising cybercrime losses of NZD $1.6 billion annually.
Australians warned over AI-driven scams ahead of Christmas sales
Last week
#
cybercrime
Australians are urged to boost online security as AI-driven scams surge ahead of Christmas, with experts promoting multi-factor authentication and hardware keys.
UK adults unprepared for dark web data leaks, survey finds
Last week
#
cybercrime
A survey reveals 72% of UK adults are unprepared to respond if their personal data is exposed on the dark web, highlighting widespread cyber awareness gaps.
Cloud breaches driven by identity failures & process flaws
Last week
#
cybercrime
ReliaQuest reveals identity compromises and process flaws, not zero-day exploits, drive most cloud breaches, with 99% of cloud identities still over-privileged.
AI-powered bots surge by 300%, challenging digital business
Last week
#
cybercrime
AI-powered bots have surged 300% to over 3 billion, challenging online businesses with increased cyber threats and operational costs.
Cybercriminals exploit remote tools to steal global cargo worth USD $34 billion
Last week
#
cybercrime
Cybercriminals exploit remote monitoring tools to steal USD $34 billion in cargo globally, targeting trucking firms amid growing digital supply chain risks.
Google warns of espionage and scams in JAPAC in 2026
Last week
#
cybercrime
Google warns of a surge in cyber espionage targeting Asia-Pacific summits in 2026, alongside rising scams using false base stations and tighter supply chain cybersecurity rules.
Ransomware & state threats surge in Europe, warns CrowdStrike
Last week
#
cybercrime
European organisations faced a sharp 2024 rise in ransomware and state-backed cyberattacks, with 22% of global victims, says CrowdStrike's latest report.
Criminologist urges tougher rules on scams after NZD $1.6bn losses
Last week
#
cybercrime
New Zealand faces NZD $1.6bn in scam losses; criminologist urges tougher regulation on social media and telco firms to curb cybercrime syndicates.
Police use AI to tackle surge in illegal disposable vapes trade
Last week
#
cybercrime
UK police and trading standards use AI and social media tracking to combat a 59% rise in illegal disposable vape sales following their ban.
UK small businesses face surge in cyberattacks as BT acts
Last month
#
cybercrime
UK small businesses face a 300% rise in daily cyber scans, prompting BT to launch AI-powered antivirus to shield SMEs from growing cyber threats.
UK retailers hit by surge in AI-powered phishing & vishing scams
Last month
#
cybercrime
UK retailers like M&S and Harrods face soaring AI-driven phishing and vishing scams, with phone attacks rising 449% and losses hitting hundreds of millions.
Ransomware attacks surge 28% in September as Industrials sector hit hardest
Last month
#
cybercrime
Global ransomware attacks surged 28% in September, with Industrials hardest hit, as cyber criminals ramp up efforts ahead of the busy holiday season.
Ransom payment rates drop to historic low as attackers adapt
Last month
#
cybercrime
Ransom payments fell to a historic low of 23% in Q3 2025 as cyber extortion tactics shift towards targeted, costlier attacks on larger firms.
Why now is the time to modernise your SIEM
Last month
#
cybercrime
AI-driven cyber threats demand modern Security Information and Event Management systems to enhance detection, reduce costs, and improve resilience.