Australia Called ‘Easy’ Target for Hackers

SYDNEY - Australian cybersecurity experts are calling for more aggressive government action to protect businesses from ransomware attacks. Experts have warned a "tsunami of cybercrime" has cost the global economy about $743 billion.

Big companies can be attractive targets for cybercriminals who can extort millions of dollars after stealing sensitive commercial information. The Cybersecurity Cooperative Research Centre is a collaboration between industry representatives, the Australian government and academics. Its chief executive, Rachael Falk, believes Australia is an easy target for hackers because cyber defenses can be weak.