Save
The $29bn mistake businesses are making
Australians are urged to be vigilant following a surge in remote-access cyber scams.
The $29bn mistake businesses are making
Australians are urged to be vigilant following a surge in remote-access cyber scams.
Data from the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) found that an average of 164 cyber crimes occur on a daily basis, costing the economy $29 billion a year.
According to group chief information security officer Keith Howard, ransomware and business email compromise scams have increased significantly since the start of the pandemic, impacting businesses of all shapes and sizes.
“The cost of cyber crime to the Australian economy is increasing every year, and every day we hear stories from our customers, including business customers, who are dealing with the financial and emotional costs of cyber crime,” Mr Howard said.
Despite the cost to business and the economy as a whole, Commbank has found that many businesses still believe cyber security is too technical, complex or expensive to deal with.

However, the bank states that a cyber security attack has the ability to negatively impact a business, along with suppliers and customers, so there’s never been a more important time for businesses to take steps to ensure their information is protected online.
“A large part of what makes cyber security complex and intimidating is the increasingly sophisticated technology,” Mr Howard said.
“Thankfully however, there are some simple tips people can follow to protect themselves online. That is why it’s really important everyone understands how to make cyber security a part of their day-to-day.”
About the author
About the author
Scams
Trend Micro forecasts a new era of AI-driven scams by 2026
In a comprehensive report released today, cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated warns that 2026 will mark a significant turning point in the evolution of scams, driven by artificial ...Read more
Scams
Australians urged to stay vigilant as holiday scammers ramp up activity
As the festive season approaches, Australians are being warned to be on high alert for a surge in scam activities. With the increase in online shopping, travel bookings, and holiday preparations, ...Read more
Scams
Scam alert: Trend Micro warns Aussies to be vigilant as Black Friday approaches
As Australians prepare to dive into Black Friday shopping, cybersecurity firm Trend Micro has issued a stark warning about a surge in scam activities targeting eager consumers. According to a recent ...Read more
Scams
Economic stress leaves Australians vulnerable to job and financial scams
As Australians brace for the holiday season, a significant increase in job and financial scams is raising alarms. New findings from global cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated reveal that ...Read more
Scams
AI-driven investment scams explode: Millions of fraudulent sites blocked, billions lost
In an alarming trend that has caught the attention of cybersecurity experts worldwide, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in investment scams has surged dramatically. Between March and October ...Read more
Scams
From awareness to accountability: Banks turn scam prevention into a core P&L discipline
Scam Awareness Week is the headline, but the real story is a structural shift: fraud prevention is moving from compliance footnote to board-level performance driver. ANZ’s 15% reduction in scam losses ...Read more
Scams
Inside ANZ’s $100m scam‑fight playbook: how banks can turn awareness into prevention
Public-service messaging won’t stop modern scammers. Australia’s banks are moving from posters to prevention, blending AI, network controls and customer friction to change outcomes. ANZ’s program ...Read more
Scams
ANZ warns Australians to stay alert for scams during end of financial year
ANZ is warning customers to remain vigilant during the end of financial year period as scammers attempt to target Australians during tax time. Read more
Scams
Trend Micro forecasts a new era of AI-driven scams by 2026
In a comprehensive report released today, cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated warns that 2026 will mark a significant turning point in the evolution of scams, driven by artificial ...Read more
Scams
Australians urged to stay vigilant as holiday scammers ramp up activity
As the festive season approaches, Australians are being warned to be on high alert for a surge in scam activities. With the increase in online shopping, travel bookings, and holiday preparations, ...Read more
Scams
Scam alert: Trend Micro warns Aussies to be vigilant as Black Friday approaches
As Australians prepare to dive into Black Friday shopping, cybersecurity firm Trend Micro has issued a stark warning about a surge in scam activities targeting eager consumers. According to a recent ...Read more
Scams
Economic stress leaves Australians vulnerable to job and financial scams
As Australians brace for the holiday season, a significant increase in job and financial scams is raising alarms. New findings from global cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated reveal that ...Read more
Scams
AI-driven investment scams explode: Millions of fraudulent sites blocked, billions lost
In an alarming trend that has caught the attention of cybersecurity experts worldwide, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in investment scams has surged dramatically. Between March and October ...Read more
Scams
From awareness to accountability: Banks turn scam prevention into a core P&L discipline
Scam Awareness Week is the headline, but the real story is a structural shift: fraud prevention is moving from compliance footnote to board-level performance driver. ANZ’s 15% reduction in scam losses ...Read more
Scams
Inside ANZ’s $100m scam‑fight playbook: how banks can turn awareness into prevention
Public-service messaging won’t stop modern scammers. Australia’s banks are moving from posters to prevention, blending AI, network controls and customer friction to change outcomes. ANZ’s program ...Read more
Scams
ANZ warns Australians to stay alert for scams during end of financial year
ANZ is warning customers to remain vigilant during the end of financial year period as scammers attempt to target Australians during tax time. Read more
