SecurityBrief Asia - Technology news for CISOs & cybersecurity decision-makers

Cybercrime stories

Any use of network connected electronic devices such as computers or smartphones for criminal activity is classified as cybercrime. With a long history starting with the misuse of telephone systems (such as ‘phreaking’), cybercrime today includes the creation and distribution of viruses, ransomware, keyloggers and other malware, the download and use of malware produced by others, social engineering tactics such as phishing or (physical) impersonation, the theft and use of credentials for accessing computer systems or networks, and the theft of privileged data. Cybercrime is a broad and dynamic field, with cybercriminals constantly adapting their methods in pursuit of usually financial goals, but also occasionally seeking to disrupt, embarrass or shame their targets.
Story image
Facebook ads scam uses celebrity faces to spread malware
Today
#
malware
#
phishing
#
cybersecurity
Facebook malvertising exploits images of stars like Elon Musk, promoting fake crypto brands to spread malware in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
Story image
Ransomware attacks expose urgent risks for critical utilities
Today
#
malware
#
data protection
#
ransomware
Spanish water supplier Aigües de Mataró was hit by ransomware, highlighting growing cyber risks to essential infrastructure worldwide, experts warn.
Story image
Crypto job scams in Australia cost victims USD $9.3 billion
Yesterday
#
online safety
#
online fraud
#
cybercrime
An Infoblox investigation exposes how recruitment scams on Telegram target Australians with fake jobs, demanding crypto payments to continue employment.
Story image
Oxford Saïd launches MBA boosting cyber resilience skills
Yesterday
#
it training
#
digital transformation
#
advanced persistent threat protection
Oxford Saïd launches a new MBA elective in cyber resilience, featuring a live cyberattack simulation to prepare leaders for evolving cyber threats.
Story image
Scattered Spider exploited UK retailer service desks
Yesterday
#
ransomware
#
mfa
#
cybersecurity
Cybercriminal group Scattered Spider targets UK firms like Marks & Spencer and Harrods by tricking IT service desks in social engineering attacks.
Story image
AI arms race fuels surge in cybercrime & deepfake scams
3 days ago
#
endpoint protection
#
mfa
#
phishing
AI advancements are boosting cybercrime in Australia, with infostealer malware and deepfake scams costing businesses millions despite MFA safeguards.
Story image
Cyberattacks on UK retail giants spark security concerns
4 days ago
#
breach prevention
#
ai
#
cybersecurity
Harrods, Marks & Spencer and Co-op face a surge in cyberattacks, highlighting cybersecurity challenges within the UK retail sector amid rising digital threats.
Story image
Rise in AI-driven cyberattacks prompts urgent action for SMEs
Last week
#
ransomware
#
it training
#
phishing
Two thirds of global firms saw a rise in cyberattacks last year, with AI-driven threats and lack of expertise raising security concerns, says Hiscox report.
Story image
Harrods cyber attack spotlights retailer risk amid cutbacks
Last week
#
ransomware
#
phishing
#
email security
The recent cyber attack on Harrods highlights rising cyber threats to retailers, linked to economic pressures potentially weakening security defences.
Story image
ANZ to launch password-less web banking with enhanced security
Last week
#
surveillance
#
biometrics
#
mfa
ANZ will launch password-less web banking on ANZ Plus in mid-2025, enhancing security with passkeys and biometric authentication methods.
Story image
Super fund cyberattacks highlight risks to Australian savings
Last week
#
mfa
#
physical security
#
cybersecurity
Several Australian superannuation funds suffered cyberattacks in April 2025, compromising thousands of accounts and raising urgent security concerns.
Story image
Kaspersky study: 71% in Asia Pacific back Cyber Immunity
Last week
#
firewalls
#
data protection
#
network security
Seventy-one per cent of Asia Pacific cybersecurity experts back Cyber Immunity as an effective defence, says Kaspersky's study of 850 professionals.
Story image
Experts urge businesses to move beyond passwords for security
Last week
#
mfa
#
cloud security
#
advanced persistent threat protection
On World Password Day, experts urge moving beyond strong passwords to layered security, including MFA and AI, as 79% of attacks now bypass malware.
Story image
Cyber attack on M&S exposes UK food supply chain risks
Last week
#
devops
#
mfa
#
advanced persistent threat protection
Marks & Spencer's recent cyber attack exposes vulnerabilities in the UK's food supply chain, prompting urgent calls for stronger cyber security measures.
Story image
Zero-day hackers shift focus to enterprise tech in Google's report
Last week
#
smartphones
#
firewalls
#
network security
Google's GTIG reports 75 zero-day exploits in 2024, highlighting a rising threat to enterprise tech despite a slight overall decrease from 2023.
Story image
Subscription & ‘mystery box’ scams surge with new tactics
Last week
#
phishing
#
email security
#
cybersecurity
Bitdefender warns of over 200 sophisticated fraud sites using fake ads and subscriptions to scam consumers with deceptive 'mystery box' offers online.
Story image
Unseen & Unsecured: The machine identity threat you can’t ignore
Last week
#
ai
#
cybersecurity
#
agentic ai
70% of firms manage more machine than human identities, with only 38% having real-time oversight, exposing a growing cybersecurity risk.
Story image
Forrester warns of deepfakes & AI extortion in 2025 threats
Last week
#
ransomware
#
phishing
#
email security
Forrester's report reveals top cybersecurity threats in 2025, including regulatory upheavals, deepfakes, AI risks, insider threats, and GenAI-driven extortion.
Story image
Australian investors lose AUD $945 million to cyber scams
Last week
#
malware
#
vpns
#
phishing
Australian investment scams have cost consumers AUD $945 million in 2024, driven by complex cybercriminal groups Reckless Rabbit and Ruthless Rabbit, says Infoblox.
Story image
Cybercriminal groups use RDGAs in scams, phishings
Last week
#
malware
#
phishing
#
email security
Cybercriminal groups Reckless Rabbit and Ruthless Rabbit use registered domain algorithms to carry out investment scams costing US consumers USD $5.7 billion in 2024.