Cyber Crime Attacks on Australians Increase to 1 Every 8 Minutes

Australian authorities are blaming the pandemic for a 13% rise in cyber crime, saying malicious actors have pivoted to exploit the those working from home and targeting vulnerable people and health services to conduct espionage, and steal money and sensitive data.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre received more than 67,500 cybercrime incidents in the 12 months to June 30 -- or one every eight minutes. Ransomware-related cybercrime reports increased nearly 15% in that time, according to its annual report released Wednesday.