Is Almost Half of Australia's Internet Population Falling Victim to Cybercrime?
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Synopsis
A recent government report reveals alarming statistics about cybercrime in Australia. Nearly half of internet users have been victims in the past year, highlighting a growing concern over online safety. With many Australians failing to adopt secure online practices, the government is taking action to protect its citizens, including extending social media bans for children.
Key Takeaways
- 47.4% of Australians faced cybercrime in the last year.
- Online abuse and harassment are the most common cybercrimes.
- Only 50.7% of users varied their passwords for security.
- The government is tightening regulations for children's social media use.
- Cybersecurity awareness is crucial for protecting online users.
Sydney, Aug 14 (NationPress) Nearly 50% of Australian internet users have reported being victims of cybercrime within the past year, according to a government report released on Thursday. The document, prepared by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), surveyed over 10,000 internet users, revealing that 47.4% of respondents experienced cybercrime in the last 12 months.
A significant 63.9% of participants reported having encountered at least one instance of cybercrime during their lifetime.
The most prevalent forms of cybercrime included online abuse and harassment, affecting 26.8% of survey respondents in the previous year. This was followed by incidents of identity theft, malware, and various fraud and scams, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
The predominant type of fraud involved individuals being tricked into paying money or revealing sensitive information while attempting to purchase goods or services from fraudulent sellers online.
Among all participants, 20% indicated they had fallen victim to two or more types of cybercrime in the year leading up to the survey.
The survey also found that 50.7% of Australians were using different passwords for their secure online accounts in 2024, a decrease from 53.2% in 2023. Additionally, the percentage of Australians who regularly updated their passwords, utilized secure password managers, and implemented password protection on their routers has also declined.
In a related development, Australia recently decided to include YouTube in its pioneering social media restrictions for children under 16, after initially allowing the platform an exemption. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Anika Wells, the communications minister, confirmed at a Canberra press conference that the federal government has accepted recommendations from the eSafety Commissioner to extend the ban to YouTube.
YouTube had been initially exempt from this ban, set to take effect on December 10, due to its educational and health-related content. However, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant advised the government in June that the platform poses risks by exposing children to harmful content.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the alarming trends in cybercrime affecting Australians. The latest report underscores the importance of raising awareness and implementing robust security measures to protect vulnerable internet users. With government interventions underway, it is crucial for citizens to become proactive in safeguarding their online presence.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Australians experienced cybercrime in the last year?
Approximately 47.4% of Australian internet users reported being victims of cybercrime in the past 12 months.
What types of cybercrime are most common?
The most prevalent types of cybercrime include online abuse and harassment, identity theft, malware, and various fraud schemes.
How many Australians use different passwords for secure accounts?
In 2024, about 50.7% of Australians reported using different passwords for their secure online accounts.
What measures is the government taking to protect children online?
The Australian government has decided to include YouTube in a social media ban for children under 16 to protect them from harmful content.
Has the percentage of Australians updating passwords changed?
Yes, there has been a decline in the number of Australians who regularly update their passwords and use secure password managers.
