Stay Smart Online
Alert Priority HIGH: Widespread reports of COVID-19 malicious scams being sent to Australians
27 March 2020 What’s happened? The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is aware of a significant increase in Australians being targeted with COVID-19 related scams and phishing emails. In the last three months, the ACSC and the Australian Competition and the Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch has received over 140 reports from individuals and businesses across Australia. These phishing
Alert Priority HIGH: COVID-19 scam messages targeting Australians
View online 16 March 2020 What’s happened? ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is aware of a COVID-19 themed scam being distributed via text message. We understand the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)’s Scamwatch has received multiple reports of COVID-19 themed scam texts being sent to members of the public. The text messages appear to come from
Alert Priority MODERATE: Cyber security is essential when preparing for COVID-19
View online 13 March 2020 What’s happened? Businesses around the country are looking at ways to protect their staff and vulnerable members of the community from the COVID-19 pandemic. Instructing their staff to work remotely may be one way of minimising the spread of the virus. However, remote work arrangements can have security implications and cybercriminals may
Alert Priority HIGH: Cybercriminals targeting unpatched versions of Windows to take control of users’ computers
11 November 2019 What’s happened? The Australian Cyber Security Centre has received reports that hackers are using a security vulnerability called BlueKeep to install malicious software on devices using older versions of Windows. This follows on from the Stay Smart Online Alerts issued in August and May, urging users of pre Windows 10 operating software to update their
Alert Priority HIGH: Widespread Emotet malicious software targeting businesses and individuals
24 October 2019 What’s happened? The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is aware of a widespread malicious email virus (malware), known as ‘Emotet’, targeting Australian businesses and individuals. Cybercriminals use malware for different reasons, most commonly to steal personal or valuable information from which they can profit, hold recipients to ransom or install damaging programs onto devices without
Alert Priority HIGH: Scam text messages targeting Australia Post customers
15 October 2019 What’s happened? Australia Post is warning the community of widespread scam text messages telling customers there are problems delivering a package, or that a parcel won’t be delivered “due to unverified shipping address.” The text messages use AusPost as the sender name (which means it appears in the same text thread as other legitimate
Alert Priority HIGH: Users of older versions of Windows urged to update their software immediately
13 August 2019 What’s happened? The Australian Cyber Security Centre is aware of widespread abuse of a security vulnerability (called BlueKeep) that affects older versions of Windows operating systems including Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows XP, Server 2003 and Server 2008. Hackers can use the BlueKeep vulnerability to access computers and devices that don’t have the latest
Alert Priority MODERATE: Watch out for myGov tax scams
6 August 2019 What’s happened? Tax time is here, and we see a surge in scammers impersonating trusted brands like myGov or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to trick you into giving them money or personal details. These scams can come through as emails, text messages and fake myGov login pages. Usually these scams will say you’re
Alert Priority HIGH: Update Windows platforms to protect yourself from a security threat
17 May 2019 What’s happened? Microsoft has released a software update to fix a security flaw in some older versions of Windows including Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Server 2008 and 2008 R2. The update addresses a vulnerability that attackers may use to gain unauthorised access or to perform other malicious activity. Does it affect me? If you
Alert Priority MODERATE: Phone scammers impersonating the Australian Cyber Security Centre
10 May 2019 What’s happened? Telephone scams – where people pretend to be from a reputable organisation to try to get access to your computer and your bank account – are a constant threat. We are aware of a telephone scam where people call pretending to be from the Australian Cyber Security Centre to seek your help