AUSTRALIANS WARNED TO ACT NOW AGAINST SURGING CYBER CRIME

A national call to action to stay secure online

Australians are being urged to act immediately to protect themselves online as cybercrime continues to climb at an alarming pace.

New government figures reveal more than 87,000 cybercrime reports were made in 2023–24, with the financial toll on individuals jumping by 17 per cent in the past year alone.

The Australian Government has launched the latest phase of its Act Now. Stay Secure. campaign, highlighting the need for everyday Australians to adopt safe online habits to keep ahead of cybercriminals.

“As Australia’s cyber security landscape evolves, technology advances, and Australians spend more time online, the community faces greater exposure to the significant harms of cybercrime than ever before,” said campaign ambassador Jack Reis, a cyber security expert.

The campaign urges Australians to consistently practise three simple behaviours designed to make them harder targets: updating software regularly, turning on multi-factor authentication, and backing up important files.

Officials say these measures are among the most effective ways to stop opportunistic criminals from gaining access to personal data, banking details and other sensitive information.

A rising national threat

Cybercrime has become one of the fastest-growing threats facing Australians. From phishing scams and malware to identity theft and online fraud, criminals are deploying increasingly sophisticated tactics.

Security experts warn that many scams are designed to prey on emotions — whether through fake bills demanding immediate payment or fraudulent texts impersonating trusted organisations.

Authorities note that the risk is not confined to businesses or government agencies. Everyday Australians are now prime targets, with their smartphones, laptops and social media accounts all potential entry points for cybercriminals.

“We hear so much in the news about dodgy computer viruses and hackers stealing our info that it can make us scared to do anything online. But the fact is, simple steps can make a big difference,” Mr Reis said.

Building confidence online

The campaign aims not only to raise awareness but also to restore confidence, reminding Australians they can continue to enjoy the benefits of digital technology while reducing risk.

Officials argue that cybercrime prevention should be seen in the same way as other personal safety habits — just as people lock their front doors at night or wear seatbelts in cars, basic digital hygiene is becoming essential.

The push comes amid growing pressure on governments worldwide to improve cyber resilience in the face of escalating attacks. For Australia, where households are among the most connected in the world, the personal and economic stakes are high.

A clear call to action over cyber crime

The message from the federal government is blunt: the threat of cybercrime is real, it is growing, and it demands immediate action.

Australians are being urged to visit the Act Now. Stay Secure. website for practical steps, resources and updates on how to protect themselves and their families.

With cybercriminals becoming faster and smarter, the government insists Australians must do the same.