Reports indicate a surge in cybercrime targeting Australians, with the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) attributing major hacks to China. In its recent cyber threat report, ASD cited over 1,100 cybersecurity incidents, including breaches at Optus and Medibank.

Serious attacks on government agencies and critical infrastructure rose, prompting plans to include telecom in critical infrastructure. Cybercrime reports rose by 23%, costing companies 14% more on average.

Queensland and Victoria reported higher rates, but New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory suffered the highest average losses. ASD singled out China as a major state-backed threat, with Russian hackers also targeting Australians.

Australia's growing military capabilities, notably the AUKUS agreement, make it a potential target. Concerns over lack of corporate cooperation led to proposed legislation for a legal safe harbor. ASD emphasized the vulnerability of the food and grocery sector to future cyber attacks, given its essential role and reliance on technology.