A new report from NAB revealed that a staggering two-thirds (63%) of Australians have fallen victim to a cyber attack or data breach in the past year.
Notably, half of those impacted reported being targeted on multiple occasions. This alarming trend underscores the escalating threat of cyber crime in Australia.
Released as part of international Cyber Security Awareness Month, the report highlighted significant concerns among Australians regarding their online safety.
Sixty-two per cent of respondents expressed being “concerned” or “very concerned” about their personal cyber security, with an additional 31% indicating at least “slightly concerned” status.
Despite the high level of awareness around cyber security, there is a stark gap between knowledge and action.
While 85% of Australians claim to be “quite familiar” or “very familiar” with basic cybersecurity practices, only 16% reported consistently following them.
NAB’s chief security officer, Sandro Bucchianeri, addressed the pressing nature of these findings.
“In today’s digital world, cyber attacks are surging at an alarming rate just as Australians are contending with other challenges including the high cost of living,” Bucchianeri said.
He stressed that securing Australia’s cyber landscape is now a national imperative.
The report identified the primary ways Australians have had their personal information compromised.
“Our research found the most common ways Australians had personal information compromised were through cyber attacks on major companies (38% of Australians) and falling victim to phishing scams (34%),” Bucchianeri said.
He warned that cyber criminals are increasingly targeting those without adequate resources for cybersecurity, such as small businesses and individuals.
Bucchianeri emphasized NAB’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity awareness.
“NAB is Australia’s largest business bank and we recognise the role we can play in providing more than just traditional banking services,” he said.
The bank offers free cybersecurity assessments, discounts on security software, and educational resources.
To combat the rising threat of cyber crime, NAB recommends the following four tips for individuals and businesses:
Bucchianeri urged immediate action from both individuals and businesses:
“Cyber crime is a growing threat in our digital world,” he said. “It’s not enough to be aware of the risks – we must all take proactive steps to protect ourselves and each other.”
He emphasised the importance of collective efforts to make Australia a difficult target for cyber criminals.
NAB also offers security software discounts and advice on its security hub and hosts free monthly security webinars for all Australians. The bank has implemented measures to combat spoofing scams, including the removal of links in text messages to enhance consumer safety.
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