Living in a remote area is no protection from cyber-criminals, as many western plains households and businesses can testify.

However many are caught off guard and a recent report released by the Australian Institute of Criminology on cybercrime in Australia shows that the problem cannot be ignored.  

The first time a cybercrime report has been released in Australia, the Inaugural report was based on survey results (conducted in February and March of this year) of 13,877 computer users in an effort to detect the full impact of cybercrime in our country. 

  “In the 12 months prior to the survey, more than a quarter of respondents had been a victim of online abuse and harassment,” according to AIC acting Deputy Director Mr. Anthony Morgan.  

“22% had been a victim of malware, 20% a victim of identity crime and misuse, and eight per cent had been a victim of fraud and scams.

“One in three respondents said their information had been exposed in a data breach, which is a big increase on our previous survey, and we know from our research that data breaches increase your risk of being a victim of cybercrime.

“This includes ransomware, and around one in twenty respondents to the survey said they had received a ransom message on their device in the 12 months prior to the survey,” said Mr. Morgan. 

The report sought out results on fraud, identity crime, scams, malware, online abuse and harassment. Its results shone a spotlight on sectors of the community most affected and the use of different platforms creating a higher risk.  

Often times feelings of inadequacy, shame and embarrassment prevent people from reporting cybercrime, particularly the elderly who are not as confident in the use of technology. 

Local councils and libraries offer occasional sessions to help seniors manage technology and educate users on safety measures while local chambers of commerce and other business groups are also beginning to bring experts in to help put protections in place. 

“Encouraging people to adopt some simple safety measures while online can help reduce their likelihood of becoming a victim of cybercrime,” Mr. Morgan said. 

“Victims of fraud and scams were most likely to seek help from police or Reportcybercrime. But our data shows that official statistics significantly underestimate the amount of cybercrime impacting the Australian community,” said Mr. Morgan. 

“While many people don’t report because they think they could deal with the problem themselves or because it wasn’t serious enough, a large proportion didn’t know where or how to report. We need to make sure people know what help is available and who they can contact when they have fallen victim.” 

With one in five Small to medium business being impacted by cybercrime, the struggle is real and those in rural areas can have difficulty seeking out IT experts in small communities to assist, making the problem much more difficult to address. 

Ways of protecting yourself from cyber crime include -  

• Ensure your system is up-to-date 
• Use a secure Internet Connection 
• Use a strong password and change regularly 
• Be aware of Pop-ups and fraudulent emails 
• Protect yourself from identity thefts 
• Manage your media settings 
• Get Right Cyber Insurance policy 

As we complete Cyber Awareness Week, it is key to stay on top of your personal security, seek out professionals to assist you and report any unusual activity or crime.  

• If you have been the victim of a cybercrime, you can report this online at ReportCyber at www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/report. 

• If you have been the victim of online abuse or harassment, you can get advice or make a complaint with the eSafety Commissioner at www.esafety.gov.au. 

• If you have been the victim of a scam, you can report this online via Scamwatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au. 

• If you have been the victim of a cybercrime or data breach, you can contact IDCARE for support at www.idcare.org. 

• While there is no single response to combat the threat of ransomware, the most effective defence to ransomware attacks is good cyber hygiene. 

• Step-by-step guides and assistance are available at www.cyber.gov.au. 

• Victims of ransomware attacks can report these occurrences through www.cyber.gov.au.