The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has released its Annual Cyber Threat Report for the 2024-2025 period, providing a comprehensive overview of the country’s cybersecurity landscape. The report highlights the growing sophistication and persistence of cyber threats, with both state-sponsored and financially motivated actors posing significant risks to Australian organisations and individuals.
According to the report, the number of cybercrime incidents reported to the ACSC increased by 13% compared to the previous year, with ransomware attacks remaining a significant concern. The report also notes a rise in supply chain compromises, data breaches, and the exploitation of vulnerabilities in cloud services and industrial control systems. Notably, the report emphasises the increased targeting of critical infrastructure, including the energy, communications, and transport sectors, which could have widespread consequences for the Australian public.
Tactics used by threat actors are evolving, including the increased use of social engineering, AI-powered automation, and the “commoditisation” of cybercrime tools and services. The ACSC stresses the importance of robust cybersecurity practices, such as regular software updates, multi-factor authentication, and employee awareness training, to mitigate these threats. The report also highlights the need for stronger collaboration between the government, industry, and the public to enhance the nation’s overall cyber resilience and response capabilities.