The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has seen as rise in cyber-attacks using the crisis as a cover to target small businesses and the health sector in Australia.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is now increasing its fight against malicious cyber activity. Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the Australian Signals Directorate, through the ACSC, is engaging with hospitals and health service providers.
“Hospitals and other health care providers are on the frontline in our fight against COVID-19 and that is why we are working directly with them to reduce their risk of cyber compromise during an already very challenging period,” Minister Reynolds said.
“The ACSC is also providing a second layer of defence in detecting malicious cyber activity on critical Federal Government department networks, including the Department of Health.”
ACSC Head Abigail Bradshaw said the Centre sees first-hand the devastating impact of cybercrime.
“At the ACSC, we are absolutely committed to making sure Australians remain safe online and our vital services are protected,” Ms Bradshaw said.
“We are arming Australians, businesses and key sectors, like health and medical services, with information on the threats and practical assistance to enable them to better protect themselves against these global cyber criminals.”
ADM Comment: ADM has itself become a target for this kind of cybercrime. We are aware of a fraudulent email in circulation purporting to represent our Events team and claiming that our events have been cancelled. This is a phishing attack using our brand without permission to make money over uncertainty around COVID-19. We will never ask for your details like this: updates to our event schedule will come through www.admevents.com.au or our social media accounts.