Have you observed how hackers always seem to target wealthy nations or large organizations? That's what we are seeing in the case of Australia today. The number of ransomware attacks is on the rise and certainly not a coincidence. With strong banks, busy hospitals, and industries such as mining and airlines, Australia may seem like an ATM machine to cybercriminals.
Why Hackers Prefer Australia
So, what is it about Australia that makes it a target in the first place? Really, it's about the money. Hackers are confident that companies in Australia can pay a ransom. Think of it this way: if a hospital system went down, how fast would they pay the ransom, compared to how long it would take to bring the system back online? You already know the answer.
Of course, it's not just about the money; Australia has valuable data, e.g. medical records and financial data, and even government data. For hackers, accessing that data is like hitting the jackpot.
The Worrying Numbers
We have seen an enormous spike in ransomware this year. While most attacks are directed at health organizations or critical infrastructure, no one is spared. Schools, local councils, and small businesses also typically become victims, as these smaller organizations have less sophisticated systems, which makes them more vulnerable.
We share the following tactics the hackers use:
• Double extortion: The hackers will lock your data AND threaten to publish it.
• Killing backups: The hackers will attack the recovery system, forcing the victims to pay.
• Ransomware-as-a-Service: Easily rent the ransomware tools to anyone paying.
Sounds like a business model for cybercrime, no? Why should anyone care? Do you think that only big businesses get attacked? No. Regular people feel the impact too. When a hospital gets hacked, the patients will have to wait for longer. When an airline is hacked, flights are grounded.
Heck, even some supermarkets have had incidents. Honestly, who wants their grocery store or airline grounded because some kid in their mom's basement decides to hack their local grocery store or airline? What is being done? The government and cybersecurity companies have stepped in. They are working with businesses to comply with the "Essential Eight" security principles of using stronger passwords, keeping their systems updated, and training staff.
These steps should also be considered by companies:
All in all
In 2025, Australia’s prosperity makes it a very obvious target for ransomware. Hackers see dollar signs, but companies do not have to make it easy. If companies take the right steps, they will remain safe.
If hackers can treat ransomware like a business, shouldn’t we consider cybersecurity a business investment too?
Why Hackers Prefer Australia
So, what is it about Australia that makes it a target in the first place? Really, it's about the money. Hackers are confident that companies in Australia can pay a ransom. Think of it this way: if a hospital system went down, how fast would they pay the ransom, compared to how long it would take to bring the system back online? You already know the answer.
Of course, it's not just about the money; Australia has valuable data, e.g. medical records and financial data, and even government data. For hackers, accessing that data is like hitting the jackpot.
The Worrying Numbers
We have seen an enormous spike in ransomware this year. While most attacks are directed at health organizations or critical infrastructure, no one is spared. Schools, local councils, and small businesses also typically become victims, as these smaller organizations have less sophisticated systems, which makes them more vulnerable.
We share the following tactics the hackers use:
• Double extortion: The hackers will lock your data AND threaten to publish it.
• Killing backups: The hackers will attack the recovery system, forcing the victims to pay.
• Ransomware-as-a-Service: Easily rent the ransomware tools to anyone paying.
Sounds like a business model for cybercrime, no? Why should anyone care? Do you think that only big businesses get attacked? No. Regular people feel the impact too. When a hospital gets hacked, the patients will have to wait for longer. When an airline is hacked, flights are grounded.
Heck, even some supermarkets have had incidents. Honestly, who wants their grocery store or airline grounded because some kid in their mom's basement decides to hack their local grocery store or airline? What is being done? The government and cybersecurity companies have stepped in. They are working with businesses to comply with the "Essential Eight" security principles of using stronger passwords, keeping their systems updated, and training staff.
These steps should also be considered by companies:
- Have systems updated
- Train employees to recognize fraudulent emails
- Have a plan of action for a potential hack.
All in all
In 2025, Australia’s prosperity makes it a very obvious target for ransomware. Hackers see dollar signs, but companies do not have to make it easy. If companies take the right steps, they will remain safe.
If hackers can treat ransomware like a business, shouldn’t we consider cybersecurity a business investment too?
